System and method for capturing and searching image data associated with transactions

ABSTRACT

A system and method for capturing image data captures images responsive to programmed sequences. The sequences are performed on a periodic basis as well as in response to inputs corresponding to alarm conditions and transactions conducted at automated banking machines or other devices. Image data may also be captured in response to image conditions including the sensing of motion or the loss of usable video from selected cameras. Image data is stored in connection with data corresponding to circumstances associated with each triggering event. Stored image data may be searched by one or more parameters. Parameters include data stored in association with each image, types of events causing image data to be stored, as well as other image conditions in stored images.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/103,731 filed Oct. 9, 1998.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to transaction record systems. Specifically thisinvention relates to a transaction record system for an automatedbanking machine which provides image records as well as data recordsrelated to transactions and other activities. The invention furtherrelates to a system which captures images and enables images and data tobe stored, remotely accessed and selectively processed and analyzed.

BACKGROUND ART

Automated banking machines are known in the prior art. A common type ofautomated banking machine used by consumers is an automated tellermachine (“ATM”). ATMs enable customers to carry out banking transactionssuch as dispensing cash, making deposits, making transfers of funds,depositing checks and other instruments, payment of bills and accountbalance inquiries. Other types of automated banking machines are usedfor purposes of dispensing tickets, scrip, travelers checks, airlinetickets, gaming materials and other items of value. Other types ofautomated banking machines are used by service providers such ascashiers or bank tellers for purposes of dispensing or receivingcurrency, counting currency and determining the genuineness of currency.For purposes of this disclosure an automated banking machine will beconsidered as being any machine which accomplishes the handling ortransfer of items having or representative of value.

In the past some automated banking machines have included a camerasystem. Cameras have been installed adjacent to the machine for purposesof viewing persons conducting transactions. Such cameras have beenconnected to video tape recorders and record an image of the customerconducting the transaction. Such systems have limitations because thetapes used to record the images must be periodically changed. A failureto change the tape could result in images no longer being recorded.Changing the tape too soon results in a waste of available image storagespace. Tapes that are reused wear out after a few cycles.

A further drawback associated with tape recording systems used inconnection with automated banking machines is that the tapes should bemaintained for a substantial period. For example if a customer claimsthat they did not conduct a transaction, this will likely not be knownuntil several weeks or months after the transaction was conducted. Todetermine if the customer's assertions are true the tape must belocated. This involves cataloguing and storing tapes, often for extendedperiods of time. This is inconvenient and costly.

A further drawback associated with conventional image recording systemsassociated with automated banking machines is that the camera may beblocked. Such blocking may be deliberate or inadvertent. For example acriminal wishing to avoid identification may cover the lens area of thecamera so that no usable video is obtained. Alternatively, lightingconditions such as sun glare and shadows may render a camera unable toprovide a suitable video image.

A further limitation of existing ATM camera systems is that they oftenrecord only a single image during the transaction. If that image happensto coincide with a time when the customer is not facing in a directionwhich enables the camera can take a suitable picture, the image is of novalue. Alternatively, if a camera is operated to record throughout everytransaction the available tape supply will be used up more quickly. Insuch situations the tape supply is often consumed by recording images ofpersons withdrawing very small amounts from the ATM.

A further issue that sometimes arises with regard to automated bankingmachines is shortages of materials or cash. Sometimes for example, theamount of cash remaining within a machine is less than available recordssuggest should be held therein. Similar issues may arise with otheritems that are dispensed from or deposited in automated bankingmachines. Such issues call into question whether there has been amachine malfunction, conversion by a person authorized to service themachine or theft by a third party. As servicers such as bank employeesaccessing automated banking machines are often unsupervised, it issometimes impossible to determine the cause of the shortage.

Circumstances sometimes arise in the course of transactions at automatedbanking machines where it would be desirable to inform particularindividuals of the existence of the circumstances. Such circumstancesmay include for example that the recording media being used to recordimages needs to be changed. Other conditions may include that someonehas gained access to the machine or an area surrounding the machine. Itwould be desirable to include an image with or as part of some messages.Such information would enable persons who need to know about suchconditions to take immediate action.

Certain types of automated banking machines also accept documentsrepresentative of value such as checks and travelers checks. Oftenissues arise concerning the authenticity of such items. Determining theauthenticity of such items may be a time consuming process due to theneed to physically retrieve such items and to compare indicia thereon toa genuine item. An example would be signature comparisons fordetermining whether a particular signature is appropriate. Suchactivities can be costly and time consuming.

There further exists a need for systems that operate so that when atriggering event occurs, the capture of images and other actions occurin a predetermined sequence. For example the occurrence of an imagecondition such that motion is sensed by a camera or that the camera isblocked, may cause additional images to be captured from the same orother cameras. In such circumstances images taken prior to thetriggering event may be stored in correlated relation with the imagescorresponding to the event for a later analysis. In some circumstancesit may be desirable to have images captured at different rates based onthe nature of the triggering events, including at rates which comprisegenerally continuous image video capture. There further exists a needfor systems in which a triggering event may consist of a change within aparticular detection area, which is a subset of an entire image beingviewed by a camera. This enables actions to be taken in response tochanges in the detection area while other changes within the field ofview may be ignored. There further exists a need to program an imagecapture system with such sequences in a simplified manner.

There further exists a need for systems in which captured images can bestored and analyzed. This may include for example analysis by the typeof triggering event which caused the image to be captured. Otherparameters for searching images would also be desirable to use, such asthe content of the image, the type of transaction with which it isassociated or the time frame within which the image was captured. Theability to search such images by one or more of these parameters wouldgreatly reduce the time necessary to locate desired images. In additionthere exists a need for the selective deletion of images when availablestorage space approaches depletion. Such selective deletion may includeeliminating image data associated with certain types of image eventswhile selectively retaining other information.

There further exists a need for a system which can provide increasedassurance of the authenticity and unaltered condition of an image. Insome circumstances there may be concern that a captured image has beenaltered so that it is different from its original form. The ability todocument that images are unaltered despite transfer from an imagecapture system to another system increases the evidentiary value of thecaptured image.

There further exists a need for an image capture system that can be usedin connection with automated transaction machines as well as in othertransaction or service environments. Such a system may record activitiesand transactions occurring within facilities at particular times toenable documentation of events that occur.

Thus there exists a need for a transaction record system which includesimage capture capabilities that overcome the limitations associated withexisting systems.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a transaction recordsystem for an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system forrecording image data related to transactions conducted at an automatedbanking machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system forrecording image and transaction data related to transactions conductedat an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system forenabling access to image and transaction data related to transactionsconducted at an automated banking machine remotely through a network.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system foraccessing image and transaction data in response to events that occur atan automated banking machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system forobtaining image data and for taking actions in an appropriate programmedsequence in response to events at an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system forobtaining image data and for taking actions in a sequence which can beprogrammed more readily.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a systemwhich achieves greater assurance of capturing useful image andtransaction data related to transactions conducted at an automatedbanking machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system thatprovides selective remote notification of events and conditionsoccurring at an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system thatsimplifies the recording, storage and analysis of transaction and imagedata generated at an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system forimaging documents at an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system thatenables analysis of documents presented at an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system forobtaining and storing image data related to servicing activitiesconducted at an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide methods ofrecording, storing and analyzing image and transaction data produced inthe operation of an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an imagecapture system that captures images in response to triggering events andwhich captures images in accordance with a programmed sequence ofactions.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an imagecapture system in which the triggering event is the occurrence of animage condition within a field of view of a camera.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an imagecapture system in which images are captured in response to a triggeringevent which includes changes within a selected detection area within afield of view of a camera.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an imagecapture system which captures images in response to a triggering eventwhich includes the presence of a particular characteristic, object,facial feature or color within an image.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an imagecapture system that can provide remote notification of a triggeringevent and to include with the notification an image associated with theevent.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an imagecapture system which provides for selective deletion of images by thetype of event with which the image is associated.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an imagecapture system in which images may be sorted and searched by parametersor combinations of parameters.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an imagecapture system which provides for transferring images in a manner whichprovides enhanced assurance that the transferred images have not beenaltered.

Further objects of the present invention will be made apparent in thefollowing Best Modes For Carrying Out Invention and the appended claims.

The foregoing objects are accomplished in one exemplary form of thepresent invention by a system which includes an automated bankingmachine. The automated banking machine carries out transactions byperforming several transaction functions. At least one camera ispositioned adjacent to the automated banking machine. The cameraoperates to produce camera signals which represent images within a fieldof view of the camera.

The system further preferably includes a computer in operativeconnection with a data store. The computer includes a server operatingin connection with the computer. In some embodiments of the system theserver may be resident and a part of the computer within the automatedbanking machine. In other embodiments the server may reside in alocation adjacent to or disposed from the automated banking machine. Thecomputer is in operative connection with the machine and the camera. Thecomputer operates in accordance with programmed instructions to includeimage data corresponding to the camera signals in the data store. Theimage data is stored in response to the machine carrying out transactionfunctions.

The server is in connection with an electronic communications network.In some embodiments this may be a direct connection, local area networkor an intranet. In other embodiments the network may be atelecommunications network, wide area network or the Internet.Alternatively the network could include a wireless network such as an RFnetwork or satellite network. A user terminal disposed from theautomated banking machine is connected to the network. The user terminalmay be connected directly to the network or may be connected through oneor more intervening networks and servers. The user terminal includes acomputer with a browser operating therein as well as an output devicesuch as a screen or printer. The user terminal through the browseraccesses the image data through the server. The user terminal operatesto output the image data through its output device. The user terminalalso is used to access transaction data related to transactionscorresponding to image data stored in the data store associated with theserver. The user terminal may be operated to more rapidly analyze andsort image and transaction data, as well as to conduct a more detailedanalysis of image or transaction data.

Embodiments of the system also operate in accordance with sequences ofinstructions. The sequence instructions provide for a sequence ofactions to be taken in response to certain conditions. For example if inthe course of capturing image data, a camera adjacent to the ATM isunable to produce usable video, such as because it is covered or due toglare, the instructions in the sequence may cause the system to begincapturing image data from another nearby camera. Other sequenceinstructions may avoid recording the image data for selectedtransactions. Other sequence instructions may cause the recording ofimages associated with service activities. This may be done with cameraslocated in service areas such as behind an automated teller machine orwithin the automated teller machine itself. Selective motion detectionand other hard and soft triggers may be used to initiate recording ofimages and/or other actions which are part of a sequence.

Alternative embodiments of the invention also provide messages throughthe network indicative of conditions or events occurring at theautomated banking machine. Further embodiments of the system operate tomanage available memory. This may include projecting when availablememory will likely be depleted and sending a message which indicatessuch condition. Other embodiments may reconfigure available memory ormay automatically delete selectively certain image data or off-load datain memory through the network to a remote storage location. Furtheralternative embodiments of the invention provide for imaging ofdocuments deposited in the machine. Image and transaction dataassociated with the deposit of documents may be recovered. Analysis ofdocument image data such as signature analysis may be conducted throughthe network remotely from document verification terminals which includedata usable to verify the genuineness of deposited documents.

Alternative exemplary embodiments of the invention are used independentof an automated transaction machine to capture image data selectively inresponse to triggering events. Such triggering events operate to causethe system to execute sequences which may include the capture ofadditional images or to take other actions including the remotenotification of persons electronically of the occurrence of triggeringevents. Such notifications may include or have attached thereto at leastone image file corresponding to an image associated with the event forwhich notification is being given.

In certain exemplary embodiments the triggering events include certainimage conditions. Image conditions may correspond to the blocking of acamera in a way that prevents the delivery of usable video.Alternatively image conditions may correspond to the detection ofmotion, colors, objects, facial features, clothing, body positions, orother characteristics or items within a field of view of a camera.Exemplary embodiments of the invention enable a user to select one ormore subsets of the field of view as a detection area and to sense formotion or other image conditions only within the detection area whileignoring image conditions outside the detection area. This facilitatesthe detection of desired events and avoids the use of available imagestorage in response to capturing images which are not of interest.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention also store image data and otherdata associated therewith so as to provide enhanced searchability ofimages. Embodiments of the invention enable searching through imagesselectively by one or more parameters. Such parameters may include thetype of triggering event causing the image to be captured. Otherexemplary parameters may include transaction types with which an imageis associated, or time periods during which images are captured. Otherparameters for the searching of images may include searching by color,object type, facial features or other characteristics. Such capabilitiesenable images to be identified, recalled and analyzed selectively, morequickly or in greater detail than is possible with existing systems.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also enable the transferof images that have been captured in a manner that provides greaterassurance that the images have not been subject to alteration. Suchcapability assures that the image has greater evidentiary value in theevent that it is used to establish liability related to the occurrenceof transactions or events.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a transactionrecord system of the invention used in connection with an automatedbanking machine.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a control system for devices within anautomated banking machine which incorporates a first embodiment of atransaction record system of the invention.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic views of the relationship between thelogical components which make up embodiments of the transaction recordsystem of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the operation of the logical components ofan embodiment of the invention operating to detect motion in the fieldof view of a camera used in connection with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the operation of logical components of anembodiment of the invention responding to a hard trigger type input.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the logical components of an embodiment ofthe invention responding to a soft trigger input.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the operation of the logical components ofan embodiment of the invention responding to loss of usable video from acamera.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the logical components of an embodiment ofthe present invention operating in connection with a user identificationsystem which identifies a user based on visible properties associatedwith the user.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of atransaction record system of the present invention in which an imageserver resides with other servers which operate the automated bankingmachine.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a further alternative embodiment of atransaction record system of the present invention in which the imageacquisition devices are separate nodes on a network.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a further alternative embodiment of thetransaction record system of the present invention in which the imageacquisition devices reside in a second network.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a further alternative embodiment of thepresent invention which includes an automated banking machine with adocument imaging device.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are a schematic view of logic flow associated withmemory allocation and control used by embodiments of the presentinvention to provide greater reliability in storing image andtransaction data.

FIG. 16 is a screen presented in an exemplary embodiment of theinvention at a user terminal describing functions performed by anexemplary system of the invention and categories of persons generallyauthorized to perform such functions.

FIG. 17 is a exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at a userterminal for purposes of viewing and analyzing image data.

FIG. 18 is a screen presented at a user terminal in an exemplaryembodiment of the invention for purposes of explaining the functions oficons shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a view of an exemplary screen similar to FIG. 17 but with aselected image enlarged for purposes of analysis.

FIG. 20 is a view of an exemplary programming screen used in anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is an exemplary embodiment of a daily program screen presentedat a user terminal in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 is an exemplary embodiment of a setup screen displayed at a userterminal.

FIG. 23 is an exemplary embodiment of a setup screen presented at a userterminal for purposes of setting image compression types and forprogramming sequences.

FIG. 24 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at a userterminal for purposes of establishing user access capabilities.

FIG. 25 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal for purposesof establishing image and data capture parameters during the carryingout of transaction functions at an automated banking machine.

FIG. 26 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at a userterminal for purposes of input and editing e-mail addresses used forsending messages related to conditions and events occurring at anautomated banking machine.

FIG. 27 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at a userterminal for purposes of setting up an e-mail group including e-mailaddresses of persons to be notified in response to the occurrence ofconditions and events at an automated banking machine.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of an imagecapture system of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal for purposesof operating and controlling the capture and presentation of capturedimages in the system of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a detailed view of the tool bar and icons presented in thescreen shown in FIG. 29.

FIGS. 31 and 32 are a chart showing the icons presented in the tool barshown in FIG. 30 and the functions and operations in the programming ofthe exemplary system associated with each.

FIG. 33 is an exemplary screen presented to a user in operation of theexemplary system shown in FIG. 28 for purposes of configuring theselective deletion of image data.

FIG. 34 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal in thesystem of FIG. 28 for purposes of setting up an automatic deletefunction for selectively deleting types of captured images.

FIG. 35 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal forconfiguring and programming the exemplary system to apply enhancedsecurity to captured images.

FIG. 36 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal for purposesof applying descriptive names to cameras, which descriptive names may beused in programming sequences.

FIG. 37 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal whichenables a user to assign descriptive names to outputs which may beprovided by the system as part of sequences.

FIG. 38 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal whichenables a user to assign descriptive names to inputs which the imagecapture system may receive.

FIG. 39 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at a userterminal for purposes of capturing images in response to triggeringevents which occur in the operation of an automated banking machine.

FIG. 40 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal for purposesof establishing e-mail addresses and groups of e-mail addresses whichare to receive e-mail messages in response to the occurrence of certaintriggering events in the system.

FIG. 41 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at a userterminal for purposes of setting up a group of e-mail addresses forpersons who are to be notified of certain events occurring at thesystem.

FIG. 42 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at the userterminal for purposes of programming the system with sequences.

FIG. 43 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal whichgraphically displays sequences applicable to particular times and datesthat have been programmed into the system.

FIG. 44 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal showing thetimes each day certain routine program sequences are carried out.

FIG. 45 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at a userterminal representative of the steps taken by a user in programming asequence.

FIG. 46 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at the userterminal for purposes of establishing a programmed sequence in responseto inputs received by the system.

FIG. 47 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal for purposesof displaying the times during which the sequence applicable to aparticular input will cause a system to operate.

FIG. 48 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal associatedwith programming a sequence in response to receipt of a particular inputby the system.

FIG. 49 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal for purposesof configuring a sequence for capturing images in response to detectionof motion.

FIG. 50 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal for purposesof establishing a detection area as a subset of a field of view of acamera for purposes of selectively detecting motion within the detectionarea.

FIG. 51 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal for purposesof showing when a sequence applicable to detection of motion will beoperative within the system.

FIG. 52 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal for purposesof programming a sequence to be carried out in response to detection ofa motion event.

FIG. 53 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal associatedwith programming a sequence for detecting lack of usable video from acamera in which a camera is selected.

FIG. 54 is a screen similar to that in FIG. 53 showing how the screenafter a camera is selected in response to presentation the screen shownin FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal for enablinga user to select a degree of change in an image for purposes ofdetecting motion in an image.

FIG. 56 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal indicativeof when a particular motion detection sequence will be executed by thesystem.

FIG. 57 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal for purposesof programming a sequence to be executed in response to a lack of usablevideo condition.

FIG. 58 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal for purposesof establishing a sequence for capturing images at an automated bankingmachine.

FIG. 59 is an exemplary screen for establishing a sequence for capturingimages in connection with a particular type of transaction and enablinga user to selectively input times at which images will be captured aswell as the rate of image capture.

FIG. 60 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at the userterminal for purposes of programming a sequence and demonstrating thecapability of a user to establish the image capture rates as well as theimage quality associated with storage of captured images.

FIG. 61 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at a userterminal for purposes of a user selecting the recovery of images byvarious parameters.

FIG. 62 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminal showingicons presented as a control panel and images recovered in response to asearch.

FIG. 63 is a view of the screen similar to FIG. 62 but includingrepresentations of images captured as continuous video in AVI form.

FIG. 64 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at a userterminal in response to a search in which the search results show that aplurality of images have been captured in response to a triggeringevent.

FIG. 65 is a view of a screen similar to FIG. 64 includingrepresentations that images have been captured as continuous video inresponse to certain triggering events.

FIG. 66 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at the userterminal showing a plurality of images captured in response to a singletriggering event.

FIG. 67 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at a userterminal showing an image output in which images are not grouped byparticular event type.

FIG. 68 is an exemplary screen similar to FIG. 67 in which the presentedindicia indicates that the image has been grouped with a particularevent.

FIG. 69 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at a userterminal in response to search results obtained in response to a quickviewer routine in which a user is enabled to navigate through images byselecting buttons on the control panel.

FIG. 70 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at the userterminal of a quick viewer page showing a single image with the selectedimage in enlarged format.

FIG. 71 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented on a userterminal in which a user is enabled to view images.

FIG. 72 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at a userterminal which displays images selected for purposes of preview forprinting or transfer in an “image cart” which enables such images to bedownloaded.

FIGS. 73 and 74 are a chart indicating the features associated with thedifferent search results shown in FIGS. 62 through 72 and the featuresand capabilities of the images associated therewith.

FIG. 75 includes a chart of indicia and information displayed withimages which can be searched in the exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 76 is an exemplary embodiment of the control panel displayed onscreens of a user terminal in connection with the presentation of searchresults.

FIG. 77 is an exemplary embodiment of an image counter presented inconnection with the control panel shown in FIG. 76.

FIGS. 78 through 80 are charts showing the various functions performedby selection of icons in the exemplary control panel when particularimage pages are being displayed.

FIGS. 81 through 83 are schematic views showing the operation of theicons included in the exemplary control panel screen in navigatingthrough images which are presented to a user at a user terminal.

FIG. 84 is a chart explaining variations in an icon used in connectionwith designating images for deposit into an image cart for purposes ofdownloading images as a group, and the functions associated with theicon.

FIG. 85 is an exemplary embodiment of a screen presented at a userterminal for purposes of providing the user with greater image integrityassurance for downloaded images and a unique key or password forpurposes of enabling the unlocking of such images.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 there is showntherein an exemplary embodiment of the present invention which operatesas a transaction record system for an automated banking machinegenerally indicated 10. The system of this embodiment includes anautomated banking machine 12 which in this example is an ATM. It shouldbe understood that in other embodiments of the invention other types ofautomated banking machines may be used. ATM 12 includes a number oftransaction function devices. These transaction function devices areassociated with components of the machine such as a card reader 14 and akeypad 16. The card reader and keypad serve as input devices throughwhich users can input instructions and information. It should beunderstood that as referred to herein the keypad includes function keysor touch screen inputs which may be used in other embodiments to inputdata into the machine.

ATM 12 further includes additional transaction function devices. Suchtransaction function devices may include a presenter schematicallyindicated 18 which operates to present cash or other documents of valueto a customer. The presenter 18 in the embodiment shown is associatedwith a dispenser schematically indicated 20 (see FIG. 2). The dispenseris operative to obtain sheets such as currency bills from within themachine and to deliver them to the presenter in the describedembodiment. In alternative embodiments only a presenter or a dispensermay be used. The exemplary ATM 12 further includes a depository 22. Thedepository 22 accepts deposits from customers. In the embodiment shownthe depository is generally configured to accept cash and otherinstruments such as checks from a customer. It should be understood thatin other embodiments other types of depositories which accept varioustypes of items representative of value may be used.

The transaction record system of the described embodiment furtherincludes a first camera 24. Camera 24 is positioned within or behind thefascia of the ATM or otherwise adjacent the ATM so as to have a field ofview which generally includes the face of the user operating the ATM. Afurther camera 26 is positioned adjacent to the ATM and includes a fieldof view which includes a profile or other view of the user operating theATM.

A further camera 28 in this exemplary system is shown positionedadjacent to the ATM with a field of view to observe a service area ofthe ATM. Camera 28 in the exemplary embodiment shown is directed toobserve the back of the ATM and is usable for observing or detectingservice activities. Camera 28 may be for example positioned within avestibule or room which is accessed by service personnel for purposes ofservicing the ATM. A further camera 30 shown schematically, ispositioned adjacent the ATM and within the interior of the cabinet ofthe ATM. Camera 30 is shown having a field of view which is directedgenerally opposite to that of camera 28 and enables it to view areaswhich would normally include the face and hands of servicing personnel.Camera 30 preferably operates when a service door 32 is open and aservicer is accessing the interior of the machine. This enablescapturing image data related to persons servicing or accessing theinterior of the machine.

In the embodiment shown each of the cameras 24, 26, 28, 30 providescamera signals which are analog signals representative of what isobserved within the field of view of the respective camera. It should beunderstood that the camera configuration shown in FIG. 1 is exemplaryand other configurations of cameras, or greater or lesser numbers ofcameras, may be used in connection with embodiments of the invention. Itshould further be understood that embodiments of the invention mayinclude digital cameras or other types of devices from which images maybe reproduced.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a first hardware configuration of atransaction record system of the invention. The automated bankingmachine 12 includes the transaction function devices 14, 16, 18, 20, 22which communicate through and are operated responsive to signals passedthrough device interfaces 34. The device interfaces communicate with thetransaction function devices on an interface bus 36. The messages whichcontrol operation of the various transaction function devices arecommunicated through the interface bus. A computer which is referred toas a terminal controller 38 operates the ATM by sending messages to thedevice interfaces to control the transaction function devices.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 an image recorder device 40 is shownconnected to the interface bus 36. Image recorder device 40 in theembodiment shown is a separate hardware component from the automatedbanking machine. Image recorder device 40 includes a computer whichincludes a server operating therein, and further includes a data storeschematically indicated 42. The data store holds programmedinstructions. The data store also holds data representative of imagedata, transaction data and other data as later described. It should beunderstood that although a data store within the image recorder deviceis described in the exemplary embodiment, reference to a data storeherein encompasses either a single data store or a plurality ofconnected data stores from which data may be recovered.

Image recorder 40 receives the analog signals from the connected cameras24, 26, 28 and 30 as shown. It should be understood that embodiments ofthe invention may include devices which in addition to image data,acquire sound data, infrared signal data and other types of data whichcan be sensed by sensing devices, stored, recovered and analyzed by thesystem. Image recorder device 40 further includes inputs which areschematically represented as hard and soft triggers. Hard triggers,examples of which are hereinafter described, are signals from “harddevices” such as sensors. Such devices can generally sense actions orconditions directly such as that a service door on the ATM or to aservice area has been opened. The image recorder device also receivessoft triggers which may include signals representative of conditions orinstructions which are being sent as signals to other devices. Such softtriggers may further include the signals on the interface bus 36 in theembodiment shown or timing signals or other signals usable to operatethe image recorder responsive to programmed instructions, timeparameters or other conditions or signals.

Soft triggers may also include timing functions. In some embodiments theimage recorder may monitor other types of transaction messages and mayoperate in response thereto. Such alternatives may include for example,systems where the image recorder device 40 is not connected to the buswith the transaction function devices, but instead monitors transactionmessages being sent between an automated banking machine or other deviceand a remote computer, and extracts information concerning the operationof transaction function devices from such messages. Other configurationsand operational capabilities of the image recorder device will beapparent to those skilled in the art from the description herein.

Image recorder 40 in the exemplary embodiment is in communication withan electronic communications network schematically indicated 44. Network44 in the described embodiment may be a local area network such as anintranet or may be a wide area network such as the Internet. In theembodiment shown network 44 is a network that communicates messages inprotocols such as TCP/IP. The network is used,to further communicateHTTP messages including records such as HTML, XML and other markuplanguage documents. Of course in other embodiments of the inventionother communications methods may be used.

The image recorder device 40 includes a computer operating at least oneserver. The server is connected to the network and has at least oneuniform resource locator (URL) or other system address. This enables theserver to be accessed by other terminals connected to the network aswell as to selectively deliver messages to connected terminals. Itshould be understood that network 44 may be connected throughintermediate servers to other networks. This enables the image recorderdevice 40 to communicate with other types of remote terminals includingterminals connected to wireless interfaces such as pagers and cellularphones. If network 44 is an intranet, intermediate servers which operateas a firewall may be included in the system. Access to the Internetenables the communication of messages to terminals located anywhere inthe world. Such communications capability may be valuable in embodimentsof the invention for purposes of image and transaction data recovery andanalysis, and for purposes of sending messages to individuals to benotified of conditions which exist at the automated banking machine.

A plurality of terminals 46 are shown connected to the network 44.Terminals 46 may include a user terminal for purposes of programmingparameters into the data store 42 of image recorder device 40.Alternatively terminals 46 may include user terminals which may be usedto analyze and recover image data and transaction data from the imagerecorder device. Alternative terminals 46 may include data stores forstoring image and transaction data which is downloaded from the imagerecorder device for purposes of storage as later described herein.Alternative terminals 46 may include document verification terminals forverifying the authenticity of documents, identifying user data or forcarrying out other functions described herein. Typically terminals 46include computers including a browser component schematically indicated48. The browser communicates with the server in the image recorderdevice to access the image data. Such a browser component may becommercial browsers such as Netscape Navigator™, Microsoft InternetExplorer™ or other types of browsers. Terminals 46 also include othersoftware and hardware components schematically indicated 50 suitable forprocessing image data, transaction data and other data that may beobtained by accessing the server in the image recorder device 40.

An exemplary terminal indicated 52 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 2.Exemplary terminal 52 may be a user terminal, document verificationterminal, data storage terminal, data analysis terminal or other type ofterminal for inputting instructions or analyzing data available in thesystem. Terminal 52 in the exemplary embodiment includes a computerschematically indicated 54 which includes an associated data storeschematically indicated 56. As with other data stores described herein,data store 56 may be a single data store or a number of operativelyconnected data stores. Terminal 52 further includes in operativeconnection with the computer 54, input devices 58 and 60 which include akeyboard and mouse respectively in the embodiment shown. Of course inother embodiments other types of input devices may be used. Terminal 52further includes output devices. The output devices in the embodimentshown include a monitor with a display 62 and a printer device 64. Ofcourse in other types of terminals other types of output devices may beused. The terminal 52 includes a computer with a browser component aspreviously described. The browser in the terminal communicates with theserver in the image recorder device 40 through the network 44 forpurposes of carrying out the functions later described in detail herein.Terminal 52 may also have a server operating therein as well as othersoftware components.

The operation of exemplary embodiments of the invention are furtherdescribed with regard to the interaction of logical components of thesystem described in connection with FIGS. 3 through 9. It should beunderstood that the logical components are generally combinations ofsoftware and hardware used in carrying out the described functions. Asshown in FIG. 3 the input signals from the cameras, microphones or otherinput devices are input to the device switching controller component 66.The device switching controller component in embodiments of theinvention may include several components. The switching controllerdelivers signals, which in the described exemplary embodiment are analogsignals, selectively in response to a record acquisition controlcomponent 68. The record acquisition 68 component receives hard and softtrigger signals including signals which control or otherwise indicatethe operation of the transaction function devices in the automatedbanking machine or other signals which are used as an indicator toinitiate a sequence of actions. The record acquisition componentexecutes the instructions which indicate which image signals aredesirable to process and record in response to the trigger signals. Therecord acquisition component further includes or works in connectionwith stored instructions, which are operative to detect conditions suchas loss of usable video from a camera or other input device, and tobegin acquisition of data from other devices in response thereto.

The exemplary record acquisition component also operates in connectionwith stored programmed instructions to sense motion in the field of viewof selected cameras or other input devices. As later described suchinstructions may include limiting the area of analysis to one or moreselected detection areas within a field of view, and disregarding otherareas. The record acquisition component may further process and pass offother data such as transaction data related to the operation of anautomated banking machine for storage in correlated relation with imagedata. In some embodiments of the invention transaction and othernumerical type data is selectively captured and stored in file recordsthat are maintained separately from image data. Such transaction datamay be correlated with image data at the time (which also indicates adate or other period of time) associated with the activity which isrecorded for both image and transaction data. However in otherembodiments of the invention other methods for such correlation may beused.

In this exemplary embodiment the record acquisition component inaccordance with programmed instructions further controls encryptiontechniques used in connection with image data, as well as datacompression techniques which are used for storing images. The recordacquisition component may further operate to store data and controlother activities such as the sending of e-mail or other messages inresponse to the occurrence of certain conditions.

The record acquisition component 68 in this embodiment operates to sendone or more camera signals to a frame grabber component 70. The framegrabber component is operative to generate digital image datacorresponding to the analog camera signals which are passed to the framegrabber by the record acquisition component. Of course in embodimentswhere digital cameras are used the image data does not need to bedigitized by a separate component. The image data from the frame grabberin this exemplary embodiment is passed to an encryption/authenticatecomponent 72 which may be operated to include authenticating informationwithin the image data. Such authentication data may include digitalsignatures, digital watermarks or other data which can be used to verifythat an image has not been tampered with since it was acquired. Inaddition component 72 may operate to encrypt image data so as tominimize the risk of such data being accessed by unauthorized persons.In alternative forms of the invention such an encryption component maynot be used.

A data compression component 74 may operate to compress the image datato minimize the amount of storage required for holding it. Such datacompression may be performed through a number of different standard ornonstandard schemes. The degree of data compression may be selectivelycontrolled. In this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the degree ofdata compression is programmable and may be changed through real timeinputs or may be programmably controlled to change the degree of datacompression. For example instructions stored in connection with therecord acquisition component 68 may dictate that in response to certainevents which are detected through hard or soft triggers, high qualityimage acquisition is required. In such cases data compression may not beused or a lesser degree of data compression may be used, to increase thequality of the images. Of course in such circumstances the recordacquisition component may also increase the frequency at which imagesare captured from various input devices. In some instances, the imagecapture frequency may be increased to the extent that clips of generallyvisually continuous images are captured and stored.

After the image data is compressed it is transferred to a RAM cachestore component 76. The RAM cache store stores the image and transactiondata (and other system data that the record acquisition component maydictate be stored for a period of time). It should be understood thatembodiments of the invention may operate to analyze cache store data forpurposes of detecting and analyzing image and transaction data and fortaking action in response thereto in accordance with programmedinstructions. In some embodiments of the invention the recordacquisition control component 68 operates to place images in storagefrom all cameras on a regular or nonregular periodic basis. Theserecords initially do not correspond to any triggering event. However,embodiments of the invention may operate in response to programmedinstructions when a triggering event occurs to associate one or moreimages immediately proceeding the triggering event to be associated withthe images captured in response to the triggering event. This enablesembodiments of the system to capture and retain those images ofconditions which existed prior to an event. Such images may oftenprovide valuable information concerning activities that preceded and/orcaused the event.

In this exemplary embodiment, from the RAM cache store, image andtransaction data is transferred in the system to a disk cache store 78.From the disk cache store 78, image and transaction data is subsequentlytransferred to an archive store component 80. The archive storecomponent may in some embodiments be a permanent or temporary storagemedia such as a removable storage media as hereinafter described.Alternatively the archive store disk may be a CD-R/W type device orsimilar storage media which may provide temporary or permanentnon-modifiable storage of image and/or transaction data. Alternativelyvarious types of storage devices that may be off loaded or overwrittenmay be used.

The archive store component operates in connection with a filemanagement component 82. The file management component 82 operates inaccordance with programmed instructions to perform various operations.The file management component works in connection with other componentsto provide access to stored image and transaction data. The filemanagement component also enables control of available memory tofacilitate storage of data and minimize the risk that transaction andimage data will be lost.

As represented in FIG. 4 the file management component 82 may work inconnection with interface 84 to provide access through an intranetschematically indicated 86. As previously mentioned, terminals connectedto the intranet may be used to access the stored data. A server 88 whichoperates as a firewall may be used to provide selective access to theintranet and to provide access to other networks. Such other connectednetworks may include a wide area network such as the Internet.

Alternatively an interface 90 may be used to provide access directly tothe Internet schematically indicated 92. Appropriate controls may beused to minimize the risk of unauthorized access such as passwordsand/or public key encryption. Digital signatures, session keys and thelike may also be used to limit access to authorized persons.

An interface 94 may be provided to telephone communications networks.This may be accomplished through a dial up connection or a cellularconnection. Such an interface may be provided for purposes of sendingmessages such as pager, fax or voice mail communications selectively toremote users or facilities.

An interface 96 to a lease line or other dedicated communications linemay be provided for purposes of providing for both messaging and datacommunication. Of course in other embodiments other types ofcommunications interfaces for communicating messages and for providingaccess to image and transaction data may be used. The particularconfiguration used will depend on the needs of the system and thecapabilities of the remote communications method.

As discussed previously, the file management component 82 may be inoperative connection with a fixed local storage component such as a datastore schematically indicated 98. The local data store 98 may in theembodiments of the invention include database software operating in adata store in connection with a processor or computer in the automatedbanking machine. Alternatively the database may operate on the computerwithin the image recorder device 40 or in other computers operativelyconnected with the image recorder device.

In embodiments of the invention, the image recorder device 40 or aconnected device may include an image and transaction data recorderschematically indicated 100 in FIG. 4. The transaction data recorderoperates to record image and/or transaction, or other data on aremovable storage medium 102, such as a CD-R/W or other storage device.Such a removable storage device may include a permanent storage mediawhich requires periodic replacement, but which is not subject to laterpossible modification as is the case with erasable storage. Suchremovable storage media may work in conjunction with other local storageor remote storage. Operating under the control of the file managementcomponent 82, this feature may in embodiments of the invention enablestorage of data in other data stores which accepts overflow data on atemporary basis when the removable storage medium has become filled.When the removable storage media is changed, the recorded data intemporary storage in the other data store is transferred thereto.Alternatively, the file management control component may operate toperiodically erase images and data as storage space is needed. This maybe done selectively based on the age of the image, the nature of theevent causing image capture or other parameters. Of course otherapproaches may be used.

As previously discussed, the file management component 82 mayalternatively operate to cause the computer within the image recorderdevice to off-load image and transaction data. The off-loading of datamay be made to remote storage devices schematically indicated 104associated with connected terminal devices to which data may be sentthrough the network 44. Of course in alternative embodiments of theinvention other approaches and techniques may be used.

FIGS. 5 through 9 are schematic views which represent the operation ofcomponents comprising executable instructions in exemplary embodimentsof the system. These components are preferably software components whichoperate in connection with the record acquisition component 68 and thedevice switching control component 66. In FIG. 5 a logic flow associatedwith motion detection is shown. The inputs from the cameras or the otherinput devices are processed by a detection area definition component106. The definition component contains data and instructionsrepresentative of one or more detection areas in the field of view ofparticular cameras that are to be analyzed and/or disregarded forpurposes of detecting motion.

In some systems motion may be occurring fairly frequently within a fieldof view of the camera, but such motion is not of interest and it isdesirable to not capture image data in response to such motion. Forexample when a camera is located in the security area from which theserviceable components of the banking machine are accessed, motion maynormally occur within a portion of the field of view of the camera whilein other portions of the field of view motion only occurs when themachine is being accessed. A camera located in an ATM vestibule may havea window within its field of view. Activity occurring outside the windowmay not be of interest and optimally should not result in image databeing recorded. Motion detected through the window is disregardedresponsive programmed instructions in the motion detection componentwhich excludes from the analysis movement detected within the windowportion of the field of view.

A camera positioned in the interior of an ATM housing may detect motioneven when the service door of the machine is not open. This may occurdue to flashing LEDs or other indicators within the interior of themachine. The detection area definition component 106 may definedetection areas that exclude such sources of light or motion from themotion detection analysis. In certain systems vibration or other regularmovement may cause certain fixed objects to appear to move relative to acamera's field of view. The detection area definition component may beused to exclude from the analysis images of known objects within an areaof normal movement. The detection area definition component establishesthose areas of the field of view of each camera in which changes in theimage indicative of motion are to be analyzed and/or those areas inwhich changes indicative of motion are not to be analyzed. It should beunderstood that the definition component may in alternative embodimentsapply to other sensing devices such as infrared sensors or other sensortypes which have a field of view for sensing regions in which activitiesare to be disregarded. It should also be understood that the definitioncomponent 106 may also be set such that all regions in a field of viewwhich make up an image are analyzed for purposes of motion detection.

The detection area definition component may preferably be configuredremotely by authorized users at user terminals connected to the network.This is preferably accomplished by inputs which divide portions of thefield of view of each camera into one or more areas where detectedmotion is of interest and not of interest. Such areas are preferablydesignated graphically on the output screen of a user terminal and arereadily changed by inputs from authorized users.

The detection area definition component communicates with a motiondetection component 108. The motion detection component includesinstructions which operate to compare sequential images obtained fromthe camera inputs. In one exemplary embodiment this is done by comparingintensities or color of corresponding pixels in sequential images. Thesequential images are analyzed at periods fairly close in time. Changesin intensity or color of corresponding pixels of greater than athreshold amount are counted or otherwise mathematically analyzed.Changes above the selected threshold for at least a selected number ofpixels in the entire image or selected detection area(s) of the image,indicate a substantial enough change such that motion is considered tohave been detected. When motion is detected in an area of interest themotion detection component signals a device within control component 110which operates the device switching controller 66 and the recordacquisition component 68 to acquire image data from the camera at whichmotion has been detected. The system may also move into more permanentstorage image data captured prior to the triggering event depending onits programming.

It should be understood that the motion detection feature is only usedto capture images from those cameras for which the system has beenprogrammed to acquire image data based on motion detection. In theexemplary system shown, this is generally in the secure areas within themachine or an exterior area adjacent the area where a servicer performsoperations. If the system is not programmed to acquire image data basedon motion detection from a particular camera, motion within the field ofview of that camera will not result in the more permanent storage ofimage data.

As previously discussed alternative forms of the invention may operateto capture images on a generally continuous periodic basis. Such imagesmay be temporarily stored in a queue or other memory and erased after aperiod of time. Systems of the invention may be programmed such thatmotion detection may be determined based on comparisons of pixels whichmake up these digitized images. The detection of motion may also causethe system to operate in accordance with programmed instructions toretain one or more images from the queue that preceded image in whichmotion was detected, and to store these prior images in correlatedrelation with the images captured in response to the triggering event.This feature enables an operator to review the conditions in the fieldof view of the camera prior to the triggering event. Such informationwill often prove useful in determining conditions or activities whichled up to the triggering event.

The memory configuration of the described embodiment provides advantagesin that the system is enabled to capture image and transaction datawhile delivering image and transaction data from storage. As a resultunlike prior art systems, the capture of image data does not have to besuspended while images are recovered or downloaded from the system.Further, the configuration of the system enables capturing image datafrom a number of sources virtually simultaneously. This solves a problemassociated with certain prior systems which when configured to detectmotion, operate to record only from a particular camera where motion hasbeen detected. Other image data cannot be captured while image data isbeing captured from the camera where motion was detected. This presentsopportunities for compromise of such systems by creating a diversion ata first camera and then carrying out improper activities within thefield of view of another camera. The preferred form of the inventiondoes not suffer from this deficiency as image data may be captured in aplurality of cameras virtually simultaneously, and triggering thecapture of images based on detection of motion at one camera does notsuspend image capture from other cameras. The system can also bedelivering image and transaction data to a remote location whileconcurrently capturing such data from a plurality of sources.

The motion detection feature may operate in connection with an analysiscomponent 112. The analysis component 112 may be used in variousembodiments of the invention to determine various information ofinterest. This may include for example to measure how long it takes aparticular servicer to perform particular service functions within amachine or within a service access area. Alternatively, the analysiscomponent may be used to determine how long customers remain watching anoutput device on the banking machine before, during or after atransaction is completed. This may be used to provide informationconcerning the degree of interest that a particular customer orcustomers in general may have in a particular type of promotionalpresentation that is made at the automated banking machine or otheroutput device. Such information may be recorded in connection with thedata store and later used for further analysis. Such analysis mayinclude in the case of the servicer, comparing performance of serviceproviders or determining the relative ease of servicing of various typesof machines or components. It can also be used to determine if, or forhow long, a servicer had activity related to a component in the machine.In the case of customers and users, the analysis data may be used fortargeting promotional type information to users in the future as well asfor evaluating the effectiveness of marketing type activities presentedthrough the automated banking machine. The functions performed by theanalysis component 112 on the captured data will depend on theparticular nature of the data to be analyzed, but such analysis may befacilitated by the availability of image and transaction data which isstored in correlated relation in the data store with the movementanalysis data so that the validity of any conclusions made can beverified.

FIG. 6 schematically represents a further aspect of the operation ofembodiments of the present invention. FIG. 6 represents an example ofhow the system operates to capture image and transaction data inresponse to hard trigger inputs. Such hard trigger inputs generallycorrespond to sensors which sense conditions or other activitiesadjacent to the machine. As schematically represented in FIG. 6, asensor 114 provides in input signal which is received by a hard triggerlogic component 116. The hard trigger logic component is operative todetermine the nature of the input and to communicate with atiming/sequence logic component 118 which controls what occurs inresponse to the particular input corresponding to a triggering event.

For example the sensor 114 may be representative of a sensor whichsenses when a service door on an automated banking machine is opened.The executable instructions programmed in connection with the systeminclude instructions which comprise a sequence which controls what is tohappen when this event is sensed. The timing/sequence logic component118 will generally include information that may be time dependent,and/or a sequence of actions which are to occur. The sequence mayinclude for example having image data captured generally continuouslyfrom particular designated cameras while the door is open. The sequencemay further include sending one or more e-mail messages to particulare-mail addresses through the network so that individuals are notifiedthat the machine has been accessed. As different entities may haveresponsibility for servicing machines depending on the date of the weekor time of day, the routing of such messages may be time dependent andthe programmed instructions may operate to send the messages todifferent addresses depending on the time that the event occurs. Suchmessages may include electronic mail messages which have one or more ofthe images captured included therewith.

The timing/sequence logic component 118 works in connection with adevice switching control component 120. The device switching component120 is operative to work in conjunction with the device switchingcontroller 66 and the record acquisition control 68 to acquire imagedata from the selected cameras through the frame grabber. The deviceswitching control component 120 may also be programmed in otherembodiments to take other actions such as to operate or interface withalarm systems, automatic locking systems or other types of devices. Inaddition as previously described the timing/sequence logic component mayalso operate to temporarily acquire images from various cameras or otherimage capture devices on a periodic basis. The programmed instructionsassociated with the particular triggering event may include storing on amore permanent basis one or more images captured prior to the triggeringevent. These images may then be stored in correlated relation in thedata store with the images related to the event. Such informationenables an analysis to be made as the causes or events preceding thetriggering event.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the operation of the system to acquireimage and transaction data in response to soft trigger inputs. Such softtrigger inputs may include for example messages to or from transactionfunction devices on the interface bus within an automated bankingmachine. Alternatively such soft trigger inputs may include transactionmessages transmitted between an automated banking machine and a host.Other types of soft trigger inputs may include receipt of otherelectronic messages either alone or in relation to other messages, so asto indicate a condition which requires image or transaction dataacquisition. Other types of soft trigger events may be initiated inresponse to timing functions which operate based on programmedinstructions and the current time, or which are timed from other events.

The soft trigger logic component 122 is operative to receive the softtrigger inputs and to analyze the nature of the conditions representedby the inputs received. For example the soft trigger logic component maydetermine based on software instructions stored in memory thatparticular signals on a bus or line being monitored represent the inputof a customer card to a card reader and the account number associatedwith that card. In certain embodiments of the invention such accountdata is captured as part of the transaction record data and the input ofsuch a card to the card reader is used as a trigger to capture imagedata so that there is a record of the user that input the card. Likewisemessages indicative of the presentation of cash to a customer by apresenter may be detected and used as a further triggering event tocapture image data.

In certain exemplary forms of the invention a series or set of images iscaptured in connection with a transaction carried out by a user in anautomated banking machine. Such images in the set are preferablycaptured in response to the operation transaction function devices onthe machine. Such images are stored and may be recovered and displayedtogether for later analysis. The storage of multiple images in a setrelated to customer transactions increases the likelihood that suitableimages of the user and/or background will be acquired which may proveuseful later if such images require analysis. In addition, the fact thataccount data and/or other transaction data is captured in connectionwith the image data and can be correlated therewith, enables searchingthe transaction data to recover the image data associated therewith. Forexample, because the transaction data commonly captured may include theaccount number as well as the user name encoded on the card, thetransaction data may be searched using these parameters. This enablesreadily identifying transactions corresponding to these parameters andretrieval of the image data associated therewith. This greatly reducesthe time to locate pertinent images compared to other systems. Inaddition, other types of sorting parameters may be used to recoverimages. These include for example, time periods during whichtransactions were conducted, amounts of deposits, amounts of withdrawalsor other transaction parameters. Any of these transaction parametersthat are stored in connection with or which may be correlated to imagedata may be used to selectively identify and recover images. Of coursein other embodiments other approaches to the capture of image data,transaction data and other types of soft trigger logic may be used.

Soft trigger logic component 122 operates in connection with atiming/sequence logic component 124. The timing/sequence logic componentis operative responsive to programmed instructions input by a userduring setup of the system. The timing/sequence logic component operatesto capture image and transaction data selectively from various camerasand/or transaction function devices depending on events that areoccurring and/or the date and time of such events. For example ifparticular transactions are occurring the timing/sequence logiccomponent may take special actions different or in addition to thosetaken with regard to other actions. An example may be when a customerseeks to deposit more than a certain amount of funds in the machine orseeks to cash or obtain value for an instrument. The timing/sequencelogic component may capture more frequent images or images fromadditional cameras during the transaction. Another example may be in thecase of a reportedly stolen card. If the soft trigger logic identifiesthe input card as stolen, the logic component may operate to not onlyacquire additional image data, but also to send messages through thesystem or through other communications channels to police or otherauthorities.

A further example may be used in connection with a banking machine whichincludes check accepting or other document accepting devices where theauthenticity of the inserted document may require verification. Thetiming/sequence component may work in connection with an imaging devicewithin the automated banking machine to capture an image of indicia onthe inserted document, and to transmit an image of the document whilethe transaction is ongoing to a verification terminal in the network.Such a document may be viewed at such a terminal and/or electronicallyanalyzed to compare the image of the document to verificationinformation such as a handwriting or signature database for purposes ofdetermining authenticity. The destination where such messages are sentmay be varied depending on the nature and/or amount of the document, thetime of day and other parameters depending on the instructionsassociated with the timing/sequence logic component 124.

Other exemplary applications of timing/logic sequence include minimizingthe use of available image data storage by reducing or eliminating theamount of image data acquired related to certain transactions. Forexample the timing/logic sequence may include instructions to capturefewer or no image data related to transactions conducted that are ofcertain types. This may be appropriate for example in the case of anaccount balance inquiry. Likewise the instructions may provide that adispense of cash below a particular amount, such as for example $100,may not result in the acquisition of image data. Likewise, certaindeposit transactions for certain customers within certain limits may notrequire the capture of image data, or may have the system capture alesser number of images than is captured in connection with othertransactions.

The timing/sequence logic component 124 may operate in connection withinstructions that capture additional image data in connection withcertain transactions by certain individuals. Additional image ortransaction data may be captured based on selected time of day, or acombination of time and day, amount or the nature of the individualcustomer. Various schemes for using customer profile data, time of daydata and other information accessible through the network may be used incombination with the soft trigger inputs to selectively control theimage and transaction data capture capabilities, and the message sendingand device control capabilities of the system in response to selectedcircumstances that may arise in the operation of the automated bankingmachine.

A device switching control component 126 operates responsive to thetiming/sequence logic component to capture image data during thetransaction. The device switching control component further operates tocapture transaction data in connection with the transaction. This mayinclude for example time and date data, account number data, amountdata, transaction number data, user name data, machine location data andother data which can be derived from the soft trigger inputs or otherinformation available to the machine. Such data may also includemultiple items of similar data such as time data. This may be desirablefor example when the ATM has an internal clock and the image storingdevice has its own associated system clock which may not be perfectlysynchronized with the ATM clock. Capturing time data corresponding toboth clocks may avoid confusion. Alternatively, programming may beprovided for automatic clock synchronization and/or for obtaining timedata or setting signals from another source.

In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the nature of the relateddata analysis can be set by the user during setup of the system. This isdone through a user terminal and is preferably accomplished by selectingoptions in a setup window such as shown in FIG. 25. The related dataanalysis and storage component 128 operates to capture and store theselected data. The data analysis and storage component is furtheroperative to store the related transaction and other data in correlatedrelation with the image data. In certain embodiments of the inventionsuch correlation is provided by storing data representative of the timeand date associated with the image data and transaction data. In otherembodiments other approaches to correlate the image and transaction datamay be used.

In alternative forms of the invention the data storage and analysiscomponent 128 may also include instructions for analysis of receiveddata such as to provide statistical analysis related to use of themachine. Such data may be used in connection with developing ahistorical use pattern for the machine which may be used in connectionwith the memory allocation activities performed by embodiments of thesystem as later discussed herein.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the logic flow associated with operationof embodiments of the invention where a lack of usable video informationis detected with a camera that is to be operated in the course of atransaction. It should be understood that the lack of a usable videologic may operate in connection with the motion detection logic, hardtrigger logic or soft trigger logic previously described.

A lack of usable video detection component 130 operates in response toexecutable instructions to determine if a camera that is or may need tobe operated is not providing suitable image data. This is done inpreferred embodiments by comparing pixel data from the areas of theimage that are indicated to be of interest by the detection areadefinition component 106 or from the entire field of view. The lack ofusable video component 130 determines if pixels which comprise an imageare generally all above or all below certain intensity or color levelsand/or are lacking in contrast across the image so as to not provide asuitable image. The logic may check for example if generally all pixelsare indicated as dark, which may suggest that a camera is being blockedor a lens has been spray painted so as to obscure the camera. Likewisethe logic may check to determine if the pixels are generally all above acertain intensity value which may indicate that a glare conditioncreated by reflected sunlight or a light operated by a person isobscuring a camera. The lack of usable video components may also operatebased on detecting a rapid, large change in the field of view, or such alarge change followed by an extended period without any change. A lackof usable video may also be based on detection of certain relativelyunchanging high contrast images or sensing an unchanging image in aselected portion of a field of view. The lack of usable video component130 may also be operative to detect that the camera signals have beeninterrupted. Various approaches may be taken to making a determinationthat there is a lack of usable video.

A timing sequence logic component 132 operates responsive to component130 to take action in response to the condition. The action is taken inaccordance with a programmed sequence which is set up by a user andstored in a data store. The sequence may include for example respondingto a lack of usable video by capturing image data from additionalcameras. For example if in FIG. 1 camera 24 is unable to provide usablevideo, image data may be captured from camera 26. The programming of thesystem may also operate in response to detecting a lack of usable videoevent to store in connection with the event one or more prior imagesthat had been obtained and stored temporarily from the camera which isconsidered to be no longer providing usable video. Such images may beuseful in determining the cause of the loss of usable video and/or theidentities of persons which may have caused the loss of video.

In some exemplary embodiments the timing sequence logic component inresponse to the lack of usable video may cause the server component togenerate a message to selected addresses in the network to indicate thenature of the condition. Such messages may include therewith one or moreimages. Likewise the timing sequence component may formulate messages toservice entities responsible for repairing the system to indicate thatthere is a problem. In alternative forms of the invention the timingsequence component 132 may operate to perform activities throughadditional interfaces or computers such as turning on alarms, actuatingadditional lighting, contacting police authorities and/or disabling theautomated banking machine. Such activities may be performed depending onthe setup of the system as programmed by user.

The timing sequence logic component 132 operates in connection with adevice switching control component 134. The device switching controlcomponent operates to capture image data responsive to programmedinstructions and may also interface with other devices and systems tocarry out functions determined by the timing sequence logic.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative logic flow used in connection withembodiments of the invention in which features of a user are used toidentify and/or authenticate the user or actions carried out thereby.The logic flow represented in FIG. 9 includes an identification dataacquisition component schematically represented 136. The identificationdata acquisition component in an exemplary embodiment operates toacquire data with a camera concerning a physical feature of the user.For example camera 24 may be used to acquire camera signalscorresponding to a face of the user. An identification processingcomponent 138 is used to compare the image data acquired to image datacorresponding to a set of authorized users. Such authorized user datamay be stored in a data store. As schematically indicated this datastore may be within the automated banking machine or may be accessiblethrough a network. Such identification processing may process not onlyuser image data but also other data such as data from an object providedby a user, voice data, iris scan data, retina scan data or other datathat can be used to indicate that a transaction is authorized.

If the identification processing component 138 is unable to identify theuser then such information is provided to a machine control interfacecomponent 140. The interface component prevents operation of the machinebut operates the system to capture image data related to the person whowas unable to operate the machine. Alternatively if the user isidentified as an authorized user by component 138, the machine controlinterface may authorize further operation of the machine, or mayauthorize such further operation if other indicia such as voice, numericor other inputs correspond to the authorized user. Again the machinecontrol interface component will operate to acquire image dataconcerning the authorized user. A data analysis storage component 142operates to store data related to the transactions conducted by theauthorized user and is operative to store transaction data in the datastore. This may include the various types of transactions conducted bythe user and may further include storing in correlated relation with theuser data, data representative of instruments deposited by such a user,instruments produced for such an authorized user or other informationrelated to the user's transaction which is stored for later recovery.The nature of the transaction information captured will depend on thenature of the automated banking machine and the image and transactiondata captured in connection therewith.

The capture of images from the various cameras on a continuing basis inembodiments of the system may also be used for other purposes. Forexample, the facial features of criminals, missing persons or otherindividuals of interest may be stored in connection with the data store.The system may operate so that content of images captured on acontinuing basis from cameras, or alternatively images captured inresponse to triggering events, are analyzed so that the facial featuresof persons in images are compared to images stored in the data store.Responsive to finding a match the system may operate in response toprogrammed instructions to trigger a sequence which may includecapturing additional images, sounding alarms or sending messageselectronically to selected individuals. Such messages may includetherewith the captured images as well as information concerning theperson who was indicated to be recognized. Such facial recognition maybe carried out for example in embodiments of the invention usingsoftware such as Face-It™ software which is commercially available fromLernout & Hauspie. Of course in other embodiments, other components andapproaches to recognizing persons and images may be used.

In addition, because embodiments of the invention include image datastored in response to transactions and other triggering events, thestored data may be retrieved using the parameter of facial features or aparticular individual's appearance. This may be done for example toidentify instances where a particular service person has worked on aparticular machine. Alternatively transaction data may be reviewed todetermine instances where a particular individual may have used thedebit or credit cards of another person in conducting transactions.Numerous uses of searching through the image data using such parametersmay be used.

Alternatively or in addition, the image data received by the system maybe analyzed on a real time or periodic basis for the presence of otherfeatures in images. For example, images captured from a camera adjacentto an automated banking machine may be analyzed for the presence ofcertain objects which appear in the field of view of the camera. Suchobjects may include for example certain types of criminal tools used toattack the automated banking machine. Alternatively, objects which maybe recognized may include certain types of weapons or other objects.Various body positions such as a person raising their arms or lying downmight also be recognized. In response to a captured image having theimage condition of including an object or characteristic whichcorresponds to one which is recognized by the system responsive tostored logic, appropriate responsive actions may be taken. Again, suchactions may include sounding alarms, shutting down the automated bankingmachine and/or sending messages including messages which include imagesto programmed addresses or devices. Embodiments of the invention mayoperate in conjunction with or as part of a system as described inallowed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/813,511 which is owned bythe assignee of the present invention and the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference as if fully rewritten herein. Theidentification of particular objects or features in the field of view ofa camera may be operative to cause the dispatch of messages through oneor more types of message media to predetermined recipients of suchinformation. The dispatch of messages may include synthetic voicemessages dispatched by phone or similar media, paging, radio messages orother types of messages. In addition, the responses to such messages maybe monitored and tracked in accordance with programmed parameters toassure an appropriate response occurs.

A further advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that thestored image data is capable of being searched for other visualconditions or appearance features. For example, stored image data may besearched to uncover images which were stored of users with certainfacial characteristics. Such characteristics may include features thatmay be recalled by another person of a potential witness to an activitywhich occurred in the area where the image capture system is operating.Such image capture capability enables images to be sorted to look forpersons with features such as certain hair color, facial hair, skincolor, tattoos, earrings, jewelry, or glasses as well as for certaintypes or colors of apparel. This may include for example hats, skimasks, bandanas, ties and jackets. The ability of the present inventionto sort through image data and to recover images based on one parameteror a combination of parameters enables the recovery of images that usingprior systems would require considerably greater time and effort. As canbe appreciated from the foregoing description, embodiments of theinvention provide many uses and advantages compared to prior artsystems.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an alternative form of the transactionrecord system of the present invention generally indicated 144. System144 includes an automated banking machine which in the exemplary systemis an automated teller machine schematically designated 146. Automatedteller machine 146 is similar to the ATM described in the previousembodiments in terms of its outward appearance and configuration.However the computer and software architecture of ATM 146 differs.

ATM 146 includes a plurality of transaction function devices 148. Thetransaction function devices include devices which can be used to carryout transaction functions with the machine. These are similar to thetransaction function devices of the previous embodiment. The transactionfunction devices generally include input devices such as a card reader,keypad, touch screen and/or function keys. The transaction functiondevices may also include devices for dispensing sheets and currency suchas a bill dispenser and bill presenter. The transaction function devicesmay also include a depository, printing devices for printing transactionreceipts, printing transaction records and other documents. Thetransaction function devices may also include a number of other devices.

The transaction function devices are operative in response to a devicemanager/interface component 150. The device manager interface componentmay be comprised of applets, programs or other applications written in alanguage such as JAVA by Sun Microsystems or Active X by Microsoft.Component 150 preferably includes data and instructions which representoperational relationships among the devices, and such data andinstructions are schematically represented by a data store in connectionwith component 150.

The device manager/interface component 150 preferably operates thedevices in response to HTTP format messages which are delivered by adevice server 152. The device server 152 similarly includes a pluralityof applets or other programs which operate responsive to messagesreceived by the device server. The device server contains theinstructions which generally operate to control, coordinate and limitthe operation of the transaction function devices within the ATM.

ATM 146 further includes a document handling portion 154. Documenthandling portion 154 is operative to process HTML documents and HTTPmessages which the document handling portion selectively accesses. Thedocument handling portion 154 includes a browser for selectivelyprocessing HTML documents or other documents. The documents accessed bythe browser may include therein instructions such as JAVA script whichare processed by the browser and which are operative to cause a computerto output messages through an output device such as a screen display ofthe ATM. The document handling portion 154 of this example furtherincludes a server device that is operative to output messages to theother components of the machine as well as to a network 156 to which themachine is connected. The document handling portion 154 may access HTMLor other documents through a bank server 158 or other servers which areconnected to the network 156. The bank server 158 may also send andreceive messages from the device server 152 and other components of themachine. As shown schematically, the bank server 158 is in operativeconnection with a back office processing system 160. The back officeprocessing system is operative to maintain data records and accountinformation, as well as to provide information for generating documentsand messages which are delivered by the bank server 158.

It should be understood that ATM 146 may be operated through messagesexchanged with plurality of servers which are connected to the network156. This may include other bank servers directly connected to thenetwork 156 as well as bank servers which are connected to a furthernetwork 162 which can be transmitted through a control server 164. Anexample of such a system would be a system in which network 162 is awide area network such as the Internet and control server 164 serves asa firewall limiting the servers from which the automated teller machine146 may receive instructions.

It should further be understood that the document handling portion 154,device server 152 and device manager/interface component 150 may inembodiments of the invention comprise components which communicatethrough the operating system of the computer on which the componentsreside, or may communicate on a local area network which operativelyconnects the components of the machine. It should further be understoodthat in other forms of the invention the machine may be connecteddirectly to the wide area network.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10, theserver component associated with an image recorder device resides on thecomputer which operates at least some of the transaction functiondevices of automated teller machine 146. An image server component 166is resident on the computer within the automated teller machine and isaccessible through the network 156 at an address on the machine. As inthe prior embodiment, the image server is in operative connection withat least one data store 168. The data store 168 includes executableinstructions carried out by the image server as well as image andtransaction data. It should be understood that the data store 168 mayrepresent a portion of overall memory available in connection with thecomputer operating the automated teller machine 146. Alternatively datastore 168 may include a separate data store such as a recorder with aremovable storage media or a combination of allocated storage availableon the computer in the machine and a separate data storage device.

It should be understood that in certain embodiments of the invention thecomputer in the automated teller machine 146 operates in a MicrosoftWindows NT® software environment and data storage is allocated betweenthe components operating in the machine. Further the transaction datastorage associated with the captured images accessible through the imageserver is shared with other transaction data storage maintained fortransactions carried out by the machine, to reduce duplicate storage ofdata. Such transaction data storage information may be stored in themachine for purposes of archiving or accumulating batch data which maybe later transferred to the back office 160 through the bank server 158or to other locations. It should further be understood that inembodiments of the invention, image data may be downloaded to otherdevices connected to the network 156 and accessed therefrom whiletransaction data may be maintained in storage at the ATM or in adifferent data store within the network. The downloaded data may beerased or overwritten after downloading to provide added storage spaceat the machine. Alternatively image data may.be downloaded with or atgenerally the time of each transaction at the machine.

The exemplary form of the invention enables accessing image andtransaction information from different locations. This is accomplishedby coordinating image data and transaction data which may beaccomplished in embodiments of the invention by including with the imagedata, data representative of source as well as information correspondingto a time associated with the transaction as previously described. Thisenables correlating the image data with the source transaction datacorresponding thereto based on time and date. Of course otheralternative approaches to recovering and correlating transaction andimage data may be used.

As shown in FIG. 10 image server 166 is connected to a hardwareinterface schematically represented 170. Hardware interface 170 is shownconnected to cameras 172 as in the previous embodiment. Hardwareinterface 170 of the exemplary embodiment performs the switching,acquisition control, digitizing and hard trigger receiving functionsdescribed in connection with the previous embodiment. Interface 170 mayalso be used to provide outputs for controlling camera aiming devices(such as pan/tilt/zoom), focus devices, lighting and other devices. Itshould be understood however that the allocation of such functionsbetween a plurality of hardware and software components may be achievedin various ways within embodiments of the invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 the image server 166 is in operativeconnection with components 150, 152 and 154 which are primaryoperational components of the ATM. Such configuration readily enablesconfiguring the image server to cause the capture of image and/ortransaction data in response to soft triggers which are in the form ofevents which are fired to components in connection with the server. Suchprogramming may be readily accomplished through visual programming toolsused in connection with programming in JAVA and other languages. Suchprogramming tools may include Visual Age® by IBM and Visual Studio™ byMicrosoft. Use of such programming enables readily establishing andchanging the soft triggers for image and other data acquisition as wellas readily changing actions which may be taken in response thereto.

As shown in FIG. 10 other terminal devices may be connected to thenetwork 156. This may include user terminals 174 of the type previouslydescribed as well as verification terminals, data storage terminals andother types of terminals that work in connection with the system.Network 156 may be connected to interface devices schematicallyrepresented 176, which provide gateways to other communications mediumsof the type previously described. Such gateways may be used for sendingmessages to servicers, police authorities or other persons who are toreceive messages in response to events which occur at the ATM based onthe sequence of configuration data for the capture of image data storedin connection with the image server or other computer.

As can be appreciated from the configuration in FIG. 10 an authorizeduser operating a user terminal can access image data by accessing theimage server with a browser and recovering image data from memory. Thisconfiguration further facilitates analysis of image data by being ableto correlate transaction activity and the operation of transactionfunction devices with image data. Further the capability of theexemplary embodiment of the invention to capture image and transactiondata while virtually simultaneously delivering image and transactiondata to a remote user, facilitates maintaining ATM 146 in operation.Actions in response to triggering events may include panning, tilting orzooming cameras which may be used to verify suspect lack of usable videoevents or as actions in a sequence. Other advantages of this embodimentdue to the flexibility and the ability to readily make changes inconfiguration will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

An alternative form of the system of the invention generally indicated178 is shown in FIG. 11. The system 178 includes an automated bankingmachine which is an automated teller machine generally indicated 180.ATM 180 is similar to ATM 146 previously described except as discussedherein.

ATM 180 includes a computer which includes an image server 182. Imageserver 182 operates in a manner similar to image server 166. Howeverimage server 182 instead of acquiring image signals through a hardwaredevice obtains image signals from a connected network 184. In the systemshown in FIG. 11 cameras 186, 188 and 190 are each connected to a miniserver 192, 194 and 196 respectively. The cameras and mini servers areeach operative to function as a network node in connection with network184. Each network node includes hardware and software which converts thecamera signals to image pages or similar image files that can betransmitted through the network 184. These images can be relativelyspaced in time or close enough together to be considered as full motion.The programmable instructions executed in connection with image server182 are operative to selectively access the cameras through theassociated mini server and to download images therefrom. Such images maybe stored as image data in correlated relation with transaction data inthe data store within the automated teller machine. Alternatively imagedata may be stored in data stores associated with each of the miniservers so that it may be selectively accessed therefrom by image server182 as well as from other authorized terminals within the network.

As can be appreciated, this alternative configuration furtherdistributes the acquisition of image data and transaction data. Howeveras the transaction data is accessible through the image server 182, andthe system location of the mini servers 192, 194 and 196 are each knownfrom their associated URL or similar system address, correlation andrecovery of image and transaction data may be readily accomplished. Itshould further be understood that while in the configuration of thesystem shown in FIG. 11 each camera is shown with an associated miniserver, a group of several cameras may be interconnected and mayselectively deliver image data through a single mini server to thenetwork. Alternative configurations may be used to suit the particularnature of the system being operated.

FIG. 12 shows yet another alternative system of the present inventiongenerally indicated 198. System 198 includes an automated bankingmachine which is indicated as ATM 200 which may be generally similar toATM 146. ATM 200 is connected to a network 202. A computer including animage server 204 generally similar to image server, 166, operates on ATM200. Cameras 206, 208, 210 and 212 operate to supply camera signalswhich are received by image server 204 through an interface 214. In thisembodiment the interface 214 is an interface to a second networkschematically indicated 216 in which the cameras are connected. Theinterface 214 in one form of the invention is an interface to a powersupply network to which cameras are connected. Interface 214 may be forexample an interface to a power distribution system within a facility inwhich the ATM is operated. An X-10 technology type of communication maybe used for example. Signals from the cameras 206, 208, 210 and 212 aresuperimposed on the power distribution line through a plurality ofimpedance matching interfaces 220, 222 and 224 respectively. Signalssent by interface 214 are operative to cause selected ones of thecameras to output camera signals superimposed on the power distributionlines. Such image signals may be received at interface 214 and processedin the manner similar to other camera signals as previously described.Camera signals sent in the second network may take various forms ofanalog and digital signals and may be multiplexed or otherwise sentsimultaneously so that image data may be acquired and capturedselectively by each of the cameras as described in connection with theprevious embodiments. Signals for controlling or positioning cameras mayalso be transmitted through the network as well as image data.

FIG. 13 shows yet another form of the invention referred to as system226. System 226 includes an automated banking machine 228. Machine 228is an ATM similar to ATM 146 except that it includes among itstransaction function devices a check or other document imagerschematically indicated 230. ATM 228 operates to accept checks or otherinstruments from users of the machine in response to control by theother components. The imaging device 230 operates to produce documentimage signals representative of documents that may be deposited orreceived by a user in the machine. An image server 232 or a computer inwhich it operates is operative to cause the capture of images producedby the imaging device and store image data responsive thereto in theassociated data store. In addition, the computer is operative to causethe machine to capture transaction data and/or to correlate transactiondata captured by other components of the machine, with image data. Imageserver 232 and the associated computer may also operate in connectionwith cameras and other input devices similar to those discussed inconnection with the previously described embodiments. The computer mayfurther store camera image data in memory in correlated relation withdocument image data generated from the imaging device.

Image server 232 is in operative connection with a network 234. Network234 is in operative connection with a terminal 236. Terminal 236 mayserve as a document verification terminal. Terminal 236 has inconnection therewith a verification data store schematically indicated238. Verification store 238 includes therein data representative ofindicia which can be used to verify genuineness of documents input tothe machine through the imaging device. For example verification datastore 238 may include data representative of customer signatures and/orother identifying data for customers authorized to provide checks intothe machine.

Document verification terminal 236 includes a computer including abrowser therein. The terminal 236 is controlled responsive to inputdevices that access document image data through the image server 232.The document verification terminal 236 operates responsive to thedocument image data to compare indicia in or associated with thedocument image data, to indicia stored in the verification data store.This may be done for example by comparing image data related to checksor similar documents input to the check imager 230 to images of knowngenuine signatures stored in data store 238. Such indicia may becompared for genuineness by human comparison on a side-by-side basis byoutputting such information to an output device such as a screen.Alternatively the data may be manipulated to place such signature datain overlapping relationship or in other relative positions so as tofacilitate analysis thereof. Alternatively, verification terminal 236may include instructions such as software programs which are operativeto compare indicia in document image data to indicia stored in datastore 238. Such verification software may compare the signature datafrom the input document and the known genuine signature and provide anindication of suspect signatures or possible forgeries. This may beaccomplished by comparing the image data corresponding to contours ofletters, portions of letters or combinations of letters within asignature, and indicating.when a level of correspondence does not exceeda particular threshold.

Image server 232 may have associated instructions which causes documentimage data to be provided automatically periodically to verificationterminals 236. Alternatively image server 232 may be configured tooperate in connection with other components of the machine to provide anindication during a transaction involving an instrument, and to forwardsuch document image information through the network 234 so that thecharacter or genuineness of the deposited document may be verifiedbefore the transaction is completed. This has the advantage in that whencameras are used in connection with the machine, an image of theindividual operating the machine as well as the document image data maybe viewed or processed before crediting or charging the customer'saccount for the value of the deposited or dispensed documentrespectively. The ability to capture the image of the customer alongwith the document image and to store the two in correlated relationfurther facilitates tracking and minimizes fraud. In addition, theverification terminal 236 may operate in the manner previously describedin connection with user identification software which enablesidentifying a user by physical characteristics. This further minimizesthe risk of fraud.

It should be further understood that although the exemplary embodimenthas been described in connection with a document imager and an attendedverification terminal 236, embodiments of the invention may operateusing unattended verification terminals such as terminal 240 whichoperates to carry out verification activities according to storedinstructions without human interactions. Alternatively other forms ofthe invention may verify the authenticity of deposited documents throughwatermarks, holograms, inks having magnetic, fluorescent or othercharacteristics or other indicia which is indicative of genuineness ofdeposited documents. Other approaches and configurations may be useddepending on the nature of the documents being accepted or dispensed andthe indicia which must be compared or processed in order to determinethe genuineness of the accepted document.

It should further be understood that features of the system shown inFIG. 13 may be applied to systems in which documents are printed withidentifying indicia so as to enable more ready verification of theirgenuineness. This may include for example printing an image of a user ona check or other document dispensed by the machine. This may be done bythe image server in response to image data from a camera which has theuser in its field of view during the transaction. Such image data may bedelivered by the image server to the printer which is one of thetransaction function devices in the machine. The image data may be usedby the printer to produce a document which includes the image of theauthorized user. This reduces the risk of the document being presentedby unauthorized persons. In addition or in the alternative a computer inconnection with the image server may obtain image data concerning anauthorized user, watermarks or other information from memory or fromterminals connected to the network 234 or may generate one or moreidentifying numbers or other indicia, and include such information orindicia in printed documents it produces.

Further alternative forms of the invention enable correlating image andtransaction data for documents received or produced by the machine. Thisenables users at other terminals which have access to the network 234 toverify the appearance features, such as the appearance of a person towhom a document was issued. This enables persons accepting suchdocuments to verify the authority of the person presenting the documentto possess it. In addition if the document is redeemed at anotherterminal, the image of the person redeeming the document may be comparedto the image of the person who received the document to verify that thedocument is being redeemed appropriately. This may be done visuallyusing an output device at the terminal where the document is redeemed ormay be done at a remote verification terminal in the network by anoperator or by image comparison software. Alternatively identifyingindicia in a presented document may be checked for genuineness and/orvalidity. For example, the redemption of documents may be recorded andtracked, so that upon presentment a check is made as to whether thepresented document has already been redeemed.

Similar principles may be applied with regard to data representative ofvalue which is loaded onto smart cards or similar instruments. Datarepresentative of the image of the person who has received the value maybe stored in correlated relation with indicia corresponding to thetransaction in which value is loaded and/or with identifying indiciaassociated with the card. Later when an individual presents that samecard at the same or a different terminal, an image of the personpresenting the card may be captured and/or the appearance of the personmay be compared to the image data stored in memory. Image data of theauthorized user may also be stored in memory on the smart card. Suchimage data may correspond to facial features. Alternatively image datamay correspond to other features that are capable of being viewed by eyeor read with the aid of a machine such as fingerprints and iris scans.Similar principles may be applied to other types of transaction systemsand devices to minimize the risk for fraud and abuse.

Forms of the present invention may enable the management of availablememory to minimize the risk that image data and/or transaction datarelated to transactions conducted at the machine will not be capturedand stored in memory. FIGS. 14 and 15 schematically represent stepsperformed by certain forms of the invention to manage the amount ofmemory resources and to selectively off-load image data when necessary.In addition the exemplary form of the logic described in connection withFIGS. 14 and 15 is operative to estimate when memory resources such as apermanent image storage medium will become full based on transactionrates, and to forward a message to appropriate personnel of suchimpending loss of memory capability.

Referring to FIG. 14, the logic flow commences with a step 242 in whicha decision is made as to whether image data has been stored. If so, adetermination of available memory is made in a step 244. In addition arecord is made as of the available memory as of the time and date of thetransaction. This is done at a step 246. The decision is then made at astep 248 as to whether the available memory is below a particularthreshold. If so, certain actions are taken as described in connectionwith FIG. 15.

If the available memory is not below the threshold as determined in step248 a determination is made at a step 250 to calculate memory use overthe preceding set number of days, hours or other time period. At a step252 the calculation is then made as to a time to depletion (TTD) basedon the current rate of memory use. The determination is then made at astep 254 as to whether the time to depletion (TTD) is less than a setnumber of days. If so, actions are taken similar to those taken when theavailable memory is below a threshold as described in connection withFIG. 15.

If the time to depletion is less than the set threshold, the logic flowthen operates to recall from memory historical use pattern data. This isdone at a step 256. This historical use pattern data may be informationregarding the level of use of the memory based on the day of the week orother correlatable data for the machine over a period of time. Suchpattern data may involve fuzzy logic or other programming which may makeallowances for pay periods, holidays, vacation periods and otheractivities which are used to establish the historical model on which thepattern is based. Using the historical pattern data the logic flowcalculates an estimated time to depletion based on the pattern data in astep 258. The time to depletion based on the pattern data is thencompared to the threshold in a step 260. If depletion is expected tooccur based on the pattern data in less time than the set threshold,action is taken. If the time to depletion is longer than the setthreshold the pattern data is updated in a step 262 and the logic flowis repeated the next time a transaction occurs.

It should be understood that although in this described logic flow threedeterminations are made as to available memory, in other embodiments alesser number of tests or additional tests may be made. In addition thetests may be correlated or combined using fixed or fuzzy logic typeprinciples to calculate a time when depletion is expected.

In the event that there is concern about lack of memory as determined insteps 248, 254 or 260 a determination is made at a step 264 concerningwhether the instructions associated with the image server includeexecuting an image download sequence prior to the memory reachingcapacity. If so an image download sequence is executed at a step 266.This image download sequence may be to a remote terminal through thenetwork. Alternatively the download sequence may be to a hard or softpermanent or temporary storage device. Such download sequence alsoincludes clearing the portion of the memory that becomes available afterdata is downloaded or otherwise allowing the memory to be overwrittensuch that additional image data may be stored. Banking machine datawhich identifies the particular machine which generated the image andtransaction data may be added to or stored in correlated relation withthe downloaded data in accordance with programmed instructions tofacilitate analysis after the data is downloaded.

If the computer and associated image server is not configured to conductan image download, a determination is made at a step 268 concerningwhether available memory may be reallocated. In some circumstances thememory allocated for storage of images may be expanded to includeadditional memory. This may include for example a dynamic reallocationof memory storage by the operating system of the machine based onresources being utilized. Such memory may be allocated on a temporary orpermanent basis. If memory reallocation functionality is provided areallocation sequence is executed in a step 270.

If memory reallocation is not available a determination is made at astep 272 as to whether a notification message concerning impendingdepletion of the memory has been sent within a given time window. If amessage has been sent within the time window then no further action istaken. However if a message has not been sent within a given time windowa message is formulated by the image server at a step 274. This messagepreferably includes data as to the particular machine and when theavailable memory will reach depletion based on the current rate oftransactions, historical data, threshold value or other basis upon whichthe determination to send the message was made. After the message isformulated the device server executes the message sequence and operatesto send the message to the users who are to receive it based on theimage server configuration and the instructions stored in the system.Generally such messages will be sent as one or more e-mail messages toselected e-mail addresses in the network. Of course in alternativeembodiments other types of messages may be sent.

FIGS. 26 and 27 show examples of user screens which are presented by theimage server to user terminals as part of a configuration sequence.Through use of the templates established through these setup screensusers are enabled to configure individual e-mail and group e-mail lists.These lists include persons to be notified in the event that particularevents occur. The notification of particular individuals at e-mailaddresses is included as part of the timing and sequence instructionsstored in connection with the image server which determine what is donein response to particular events.

As later discussed in detail alternative forms of the invention mayoperate to selectively delete stored image and/or transaction data. Forexample, transactions may be identified by selected parameters and imageand/or transaction data associated with those transactions may bedeleted. This may be done based on parameters such as elapsed time sincethe transaction was executed. Alternatively, transaction data may bedeleted based on the type of transaction, amount or other triggeringevent associated with the image data. Thus, for example, data associatedwith withdrawal transactions which are under a certain amount and whichoccurred more than a particular number of days previously, may bedeleted in response to programmed instructions. This frees up availablespace for storing data associated with additional transactions while topreserving image and/or transaction data related to other transactionswhich may be more significant. Similarly, image or transaction datacaptured in response to other types of triggering events such as alarms,servicing activities or other conditions which correspond to aparticular parameter or combination of parameters may be stored forlonger periods of time prior to deletion and/or downloading from a localmemory. Various parameters for the preservation or deletion of data maybe developed based on the nature of the system, the transactionsconducted and the needs of the system operator.

Alternative embodiments of the invention may operate to advise a personwho is setting up sequences or operation of the system, about how longthe system will be able to run before image data will need to be deletedor off loaded. The computer operating to store data or in connectiontherewith, may store historical use data for the ATM or other machine.Such historical use data, combined with the number of images that thesystem is configured to capture and the degrees of associated datacompression (as well as possibly other data) may be used to calculate aperiod of time until the available memory is used. Alternatively, andparticularly when no historical use data is present, the computer may beprogrammed to prompt a user to provide estimates of the number orfrequency of triggering events and/or transaction rates. Thisinformation may be used by the computer to calculate how long the systemcan operate without deleting or off-loading images. The user in responseto the output of such estimates may choose to change settings orsequences to capture more or fewer images in response to eachtransaction or event, or to change the degrees of data compression. Inaddition the computer may be configured to send a message to a selecteduser or address if transaction rates change from the historical orestimated rates by more than a set amount, and advise of the time periodavailable based on the actual rate of memory use. In response to such amessage a user may choose to reconfigure the system.

The described form of the present invention presents a useful userinterface which may be used to set up the system configuration.Generally such configuration is established from a user terminal whichis connected to the image server through a network. In this example theimage server configuration provides for three levels of activities whichusers are authorized to perform. These levels correspond to categoriesof privileges and are “administrator”, “operator” and “service”. Ascreen 278 shown in FIG. 16 shows the categories of activities and theuser groups which are permitted to perform them in accordance with theconfiguration of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

As previously discussed, certain forms of the invention enable theconfiguration to include timing and sequence data which specifies whatimages and data to capture, as well as what further actions to take inresponse to certain triggering events. FIG. 20 shows a screen 280 whichmay be displayed at a user terminal to establish a sequence of eventsthat occur in connection with particular events. Such sequences may beprogrammed so that the sequences are different based on the day of theweek and/or the time of day.

In accordance with the user interface in this exemplary embodiment,sequences are programmed by establishing a daily schedule of what is tooccur in response to events. FIG. 21 shows a screen 282 which ispresented in response to clicking on the “daily program” icon fromscreen 280. Screen 282 enables a user to configure the program toestablish what is to occur if particular events occur within a giventime window. In programming of this embodiment, if multiple sequencesoverlap days, the narrowest schedule overrules broader schedules. Forexample if a schedule is configured for weekdays but a differentschedule is configured for a specific day, the specific day schedulewill overrule the general schedule for that day. Likewise to preventinadvertent overlap of sequences, the programming of this embodimentprovides entering only a start time for a sequence. An end time is notrequired and a sequence will continue until a new sequence is begun.FIG. 22 shows a screen 284 used in an exemplary embodiment of theinvention. Screen 284 is generated responsive to selection of the “everyday icon” from screen 282.

Actions in a sequence are established by selecting the “setup sequence”icons shown in screen 284. Selecting such an icon that is activegenerates a screen 286 of the type shown in FIG. 23. Screen 286 enablesa user to establish the degree of data compression for images capturedduring the sequence. The compression level can be modified such thatdifferent sequences of events cause images to be captured at differentcompression levels which produce different image quality levels.Generally the less the data is compressed the higher the image quality.However available memory is used more quickly when the degree of datacompression is less.

In this exemplary embodiment of the invention a plurality of actions maybe added to a sequence by clicking on icons such as “add camera”, “addoutput” or “add e-mail”. In alternative embodiments, additional actionsmay include “repeat sequence” and “wait” type actions. Clicking on suchicons changes the system configuration so the system will take actionsin a sequence such as those previously discussed. Such sequences mayinclude for example input of instructions for capturing images fromcameras, sending e-mails to individuals or groups of individuals,providing selective outputs to the control devices, or sending messagesthrough the to network. As can be appreciated from screen 280 varioussequences may be executed responsive to triggering events such asdetection of motion in fields of view of various cameras, the blockingof one or more cameras (at any time or during a time of desired imagecapture), in response to various transaction functions carried out bytransaction function devices or on a periodic time schedule. Screen 288shown in FIG. 25 is an exemplary screen presented at a user terminalwhich enables a user to set up the transaction data to be captured aswell as to facilitate communication between the image server and theautomated banking machine. Of course various types of transaction datacan be selectively captured. This is done from screen 288 by selectingtypes of transaction data to be captured. Image data may also becaptured in response to the operation of selected transaction functiondevices and responsive to the type of transaction function devicesresident in the machine.

In the event that the sequence configuration includes sending e-mailmessages to selected addresses, the image server is operative to sendsuch messages in accordance with e-mail information which has beenstored in connection therewith. Screen 290 shown in FIG. 26 is atemplate for a user to use in inputting e-mail address information forindividuals. Individual e-mail addresses may be combined into e-mailgroups and a screen 292 shown in FIG. 27 may be accessed to show thegroups of individuals who are notified responsive to events which mayoccur at the terminal. The configuration of the terminal is such that aplurality of individuals may be sent an e-mail message in response tothe occurrence of a single event or other activity at the terminal. Thisfacilitates the notification of individuals in the event that severalindividuals may be required to respond.

As previously discussed, the timing aspect of programmed sequencesenables different individuals to be notified of events at differenttimes and on different days. This facilitates notifying the persons whohave the most direct responsibility for the condition at the time itoccurs. Forms of the invention may also be configured to attach orinclude in e-mails, images which correspond to the triggering eventwhich causes the notification to be sent. This may immediately providethe person receiving the e-mail with useful information about what isoccurring at the machine. A series of images or applets for themodification of images may also be transmitted with the notification.This may include for example images which occurred prior to thetriggering event. Such e-mails may also include information about thenature of the triggering event, the location or banking machine wheresuch event is occurring and other pertinent data. In this way, theentities notified will receive a record of what has or is happening atthe machine. This record will also be available even if the machine iscompromised and rendered inoperative shortly thereafter. Embodiments ofthe invention may also include with such image files, digital watermarksor other indicia of authenticity so that the accuracy of the informationprovided and the images associated therewith have enhanced assurancesthat they have not been tampered with. Further, included in e-mails orattachments thereto may be sound or other files with which images areassociated. This may be accomplished through the programming ofsequences which include the capture of audio or other data in responseto the occurrence of triggering events. Numerous alternative approachesmay be taken utilizing the principles of the invention. Of course,embodiments of the system may carry out communication in ways other thanthrough e-mail such as by RF, fax or simulated voice communicationthrough telephone connection.

As previously mentioned, security associated with the image server maybe important to prevent accessing by unauthorized individuals. In theexemplary form of the invention password protection is provided tominimize the risk of unauthorized use. Of course in other embodimentsother security techniques such as public key encryption, encryption ofimage and transaction data and digital signatures may also be utilized.FIG. 24 shows a screen 294 which is used in embodiments of the inventionto establish access for particular users. A system administrator isenabled to gain access to screen 294 and to input information concerningadditional users. Screen 294 also enables the system administrator toestablish passwords to be used by each authorized user.

Embodiments of the invention may also restrict certain users, or certaincategories of users, in the type of image data that may be reviewed.This may be done in exemplary embodiments by limiting access to imageand/or transaction data selectively to users, based on the types oftriggering events associated with the storage of images. Alternatively,certain users may be precluded from viewing images captured from certaincameras. This capability may be used to prevent certain users fromobserving certain images such as images which may include customer PINsor the combination to a lock on an ATM. By preventing selected usersfrom accessing certain image data based on the type of triggering eventor camera associated therewith, images captured by the system that neednot be restricted may be made available more broadly and used forpotentially more purposes.

A useful aspect of embodiments of the present invention is the abilityof the system to provide screens or displays of image and transactiondata that can be readily sorted, viewed and analyzed at user terminalswithin the network. FIG. 17 discloses a screen or display 296. Display296 includes sets of images 298, 300, 302 and 304. Each image setincludes “thumbnails” of five images. Each set corresponds to atransaction carried out by a particular user and each set of thumbnailimages which comprises a set, corresponds to images of the particularuser during that transaction. Of course it should be understood that insituations where the timing and sequence programming require a lesser orgreater number of images, the number of images which comprise a set maydiffer. In addition as previously discussed, some transactions ortriggering events may have no corresponding images at all. Other eventswhich do not correspond to ATM transactions may have a large number ofimages spaced closely in time depending on the configuration of thesystem. This may include full motion or image frequencies approachingfull motion.

The images which have been captured and stored by the system may bepreferably arranged in one or more series. A series may be a collectionof all stored images arranged chronologically. Alternative series may beproduced by segregating images that correspond to one or more types oftriggering events or transaction parameters. Images included in such aseries may be ordered chronologically, may be ordered in a hierarchy inaccordance with one or more search parameters, or other ordering scheme.A useful aspect of some embodiments is that the user terminal enables auser to scroll through a series of images, displaying one or more of theimages on the display at a time, by selecting certain icons with aninput device. The icons enable the user to selectively display imagesand to move to display one or more different images at points forward orbackward in the series from an image or images currently beingdisplayed. In exemplary embodiments, selection of certain icons causethe display to change and display images in different increments and indifferent directions in the series from one or more images currentlydisplayed.

In an exemplary embodiment screen 296 includes icons 306, 308, 310, 312,314 and 316. The icons may be used to selectively scroll through sets ofimages and images in the sets. As explained with reference to anexemplary help screen 318 shown in FIG. 18, selecting icons 310 and 312enable scrolling backwards and forwards respectively by one event.Selecting icons 308 and 314 enable scrolling backwards and forwardsrespectively by an increment of ten events. Icons 306 and 316 enablescrolling backward and forward respectively to the beginning or end of aseries of events or images.

Exemplary screen 296 also includes “jump to image” and “jump to event”input boxes 320 and 322, respectively. As explained in FIG. 18 boxes 320and 322 may be used to select images that are to be displayed. A “savecomments” box 324 is used to selectively store comments in correlatedrelation with particular images. Comments can be manually input, inputby voice as sound files, input through voice to text conversion softwareor may be generated and stored in response to programmed instructionsbased on parameters and/or triggering events.

Screen 326 shown in FIG. 19 shows a selected image 327 which has beenenlarged by selecting one of the images from the sets. This may be donein the described embodiment by clicking on an image with a mouse orthrough other inputs. As shown in screen 326, the enlarged image 327 isdisplayed with corresponding transaction data which corresponds to theimage. In addition event and image data corresponding to the image isalso displayed. A user reviewing the image data is enabled to review anyof the available image and transaction data.

Advantages of the described embodiments of the present invention includethe ability of a user terminal to access image and transaction dataselectively. For example through operation of the browser or otherprograms within the user terminal an authorized user is enabled tosearch for selected parameters such as user name, account number, timeand date and other data which may be stored in the data store. Image andtransaction data may also be searched by combinations of parameters orranges of parameter values. This enables the operator of the userterminal to find selected image data rapidly or more selectively, andwithout having to scan through large volumes of information. In additionthe exemplary forms of the present invention enable holding image andtransaction data for substantially longer periods of time with minimuminconvenience. As a result this enables such data to be analyzed formuch longer time periods and potentially much more inexpensively than iscurrently possible.

A further advantage of preferred forms of the present invention is thatimage data is readily accessible and searchable. This facilitatesidentification in connection with issued documents such as bank checksor value loaded to smart cards as previously discussed. This enablesusers having access to the data to verify that a document or other itemis being presented by an authorized user by accessing and visually orautomatically comparing image data. Further advantages and novel aspectsof the invention will be apparent to those having skill in the art.

FIG. 28 shows yet another example of a system of the present inventiondesignated 328. System 328 is similar to other systems of the inventionpreviously described except as discussed herein. In system 328, imagecapture and delivery functions are performed by a separate device 330.Device 330 in this embodiment includes one or more computers orprocessors therein including one or more servers, and is operative tocapture and store image data, transaction data and other informationfrom devices to which it is connected. Device 330 also includesappropriate interfaces to communicate with the devices to which it isconnected for purposes of receiving inputs and outputs. As schematicallyindicated in FIG. 28, a computer included in device 330 is in operativeconnection with a data store for purposes of storing instructions aswell as image and transaction data. It should be understood that while asingle device for performing the functions is shown in system 328, otherforms of the invention may include a plurality of operatively connecteddevices including a plurality of processors and operatively connecteddata stores as well as other computers and interfaces, to perform thefunctions similar to that of device 330 described herein.

In system 328, device 330 is connected to one or more automated bankingmachines schematically indicated 332. Automated banking machine 332 issimilar to the machines previously discussed and includes a plurality oftransaction function devices. Automated banking machine 332 may have oneor more cameras or other image capture devices adjacent thereto asrepresented by camera 334. As will be appreciated, a number of camerasmay be positioned adjacent to the machine by being within and/or near toautomated banking machine 332 for purposes of capturing image datarelated to users, documents, surroundings or other types of visualinputs that may be desirable to capture and analyze. Camera 334 isoperatively connected to device 330 such that device 330 may receive andcapture image data therefrom. It should be understood that additionaltypes of data capture devices may also be included adjacent to or withinautomated banking machine 332. This may include for example microphonesfor capturing sound or voice information as well as devices whichcapture data related to transactions. Embodiments of the presentinvention can use voice recognition software to detect sounds from themicrophone representative of words or the stress levels of soundsemanating from persons near the automatic banking machine. Such voice orsound data may be used in combination with images or other data tofurther detect and evaluate conditions at or near the automated bankingmachine. The data or information which is captured is also communicatedto the device 30 through one or more appropriate electronic connectionsschematically indicated 336.

In addition to capturing images or other data from one or more automatedbanking machines, system 328 may also be operative to monitor one ormore other transaction devices, as well as to monitor and recordactivities which occur within a facility. One or more camerasrepresented by cameras 338, 340 and 342 are shown and are representativeof cameras used for this purpose. The cameras may be used for capturingimages in response to triggering events, which may be either hard orsoft triggers from one or more types of input devices. Alternatively,the cameras may capture images on an ongoing basis in one or moresequences for purposes of providing a generally continuous record ofoverall activity within an area. As in the previous embodiments, thisform of the invention also provides the capability of capturing imagesfrom multiple cameras generally simultaneously as well as the capabilityto both capture images and be delivering messages or image data from thedevice 330 on a generally simultaneous basis. As will be appreciated,the capabilities of the system may be increased by the addition ofcomponents or enhanced capabilities of the components which comprisedevice 330. This may include, for example, additional interfaces fordigitizing image data received from cameras, additional and fasterinterfaces for input and output devices and increased processingcapabilities and data storage to facilitate enhanced function. Therequired capabilities of device 330 depend on the particular type ofsystem that a user desires to operate and the number and type ofconnected cameras and other devices.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, a number of different types of inputdevices are provided. These input devices provide inputs indicative ofone or more triggering events to device 330. Such triggering eventscause or may affect the manner in which image data is captured by thesystem. Generally the input devices include appropriate interfaces inconnection therewith to enable the device 330 to receive signalsindicative of the triggering event. The exemplary input devices showninclude a cash register 344. Cash register 344 which may also beconsidered a banking machine, is connected to device 330 by acommunications link such as a local network. This enables the device 330to cause images to be captured from a corresponding camera when signalsindicative of transactions are occurring at the cash register. It shouldbe understood that cash register 344 is representative of but one ofnumerous types of devices that may be used in a sales, service provideror banking environment and for which it may be desirable to make arecord of activity occurring adjacent to such devices when activitiesare conducted.

Additional representative input devices include sensors schematicallyindicated 346. Sensors 346 may include sensors for detecting the openingof doors, windows, ventilation ducts or other activities for which it isdesired to capture images. Another exemplary input device includes analarm input 348. The alarm input 348 may be, for example, a device whichis actuated by person to indicate an alarm condition. This may be, forexample, a panic button which is pressed to indicate a hold-up in abanking or other establishment. Alarm input devices may take variousforms and may include sequences input to computer terminals or otherdevices which are connected to device 330.

Sensors used in connection with the systems may include photosensors,infrared sensors, radiation beams or similar detectors. Such detectorsmay be used to sense when a person or item passes or occupies aparticular space or area. For example, a detector may detect when aninvisible beam type sensor is interrupted. Such an invisible beam mayextend, for example, across a counter or bank teller window. As aresult, a signal may be given to capture images in response to eachoccurrence of something passing over the counter or through the tellerwindow. Similarly, such a beam may extend across a cash drawer orsimilar device. Alternatively, such invisible beams may extend in areasknown only to an employee of the facility. This may enable the employeeto give a signal to capture images (and perhaps activate an alarm) whilenot making physical contact with any device. Numerous systems may bedeveloped using these principles.

Other input devices schematically indicated 350, may include otherdevices which detect or receive indications of activity and provideappropriate electrical outputs which can be received by device 330.These may include for example heat sensors, infrared sensors, weightsensing pads, electronic beams or other types of sensors which candetect conditions for which an operator of the system may wish tocapture images or other data.

In this embodiment of the invention, the cameras themselves may alsoserve as input devices. The cameras provide inputs which enable thedetection of certain image conditions. Image conditions may include forexample, the detection of motion within the field of view of the camera.Alternative image conditions may include a lack of usable video. Thismay be for example a lack of contrast in an image, brightness ordarkness beyond selected limits or other images or circumstances such aspreviously discussed. Alternatively as previously mentioned, imageconditions may include the presence within a field of view of personswith particular clothing or features, the presence of persons withcertain body orientations, the presence of certain objects such asweapons or the presence of particular types of colors or arrangements ofcolors. Numerous types of image conditions which may be determinedthrough analysis of the digital images which are available from thecameras connected to the system may be used as triggering events.

In the embodiment of the invention shown, device 330 is also connectedto output devices. Exemplary types of output devices shown include anaudible and/or visual alarm schematically indicated 352. Such an alarmmay give persons in an area notice of an alarm condition. An alternativeform of an output device as shown may include lighting devicesschematically represented 354. Lighting devices may be turned on forexample in response to programmed sequences to illuminate an area wherean alarm condition is detected. Other types of output devices mayinclude blocking mechanisms schematically indicated 356. Blockingmechanisms 356 may operate to block certain areas to prevent access orescape. Alternatively in response to some alarm conditions as setthrough sequences programmed in device 330, other alarms may causeblocking mechanisms to open to facilitate escape of persons fromselected areas. Other output devices include, for example,communications devices schematically represented 358. Communicationsdevices 358 may include, for example, police alarms or dial-up devicesto notify fire or security agencies of alarm conditions which aredetected.

As schematically represented in FIG. 28, device 330 is connected to auser terminal device 360. User terminal 360 may be used for providinginputs from users of the system as well as outputs to users, as laterdiscussed in detail. Device 330 is also shown in connection with anetwork 362. Network 362 like other networks discussed herein, may be acommunications link suitable for communicating, and may be a localnetwork or a plurality of interconnected networks through which device330 is enabled to communicate through an appropriate interface. Remoteterminals 364 and 366 are connected to the network 362. The remoteterminals may be used for providing inputs and outputs to the device330. Such terminals may also be used for purposes of programming andreceiving images from device 330 in ways which are later discussed.Other terminals in the network may be used to hold data which may beused to identify persons, signatures, documents or provide otherfunctions or information as previously discussed.

It should be understood that system 328 is exemplary of many systemconfigurations that are encompassed within the scope of the presentinvention. In one exemplary form of the invention, device 330 includes aDiebold AccuTrack™ digital video system which is commercially availablefrom Diebold, Incorporated, the assignee of the present invention.Device 330 operates to provide a helpful user interface forcommunicating with and programming the system. Such communications maybe carried out through the interface at a local terminal such asterminal 360 or remotely from terminals connected to device 330 througha network such as terminals 364 and 366. FIG. 29 shows an exemplaryintroductory screen 368 produced on an output device of a user terminalin connection with device 330. The user terminal, like those previouslydiscussed includes a computer with a browser operating therein, whichcan communicate with device 330. Screen 368 provides a useful interfacefor a user of the system to configure the operation of the system. Italso provides a useful interface with which users may interact torecover and sort images that have been captured by the system as well asto carry out other functions.

Screen 368 as well as other screens presented by the exemplary device330 includes a set of icons and indicators referred to as a tool bar370. As shown in greater detail in FIG. 30, tool bar 370 includes aplurality of icons 372. Icons 372 include a home icon 374, a log-officon 376 and an image search icon 378. Other icons included in the toolbar include a camera check icon 380, a system configuration icon 382, asystem tools icon 384 and a help icon 386. Generally, the icons includean image or representation of an object which suggests to a user thefunction of each. For example, the log-off icon 376 includes arepresentation of a key that can be turned. The exemplary form of thesearch icon 378 is a representation of a pair of binoculars. Similarly,the icon 380 that is selected to conduct a camera check is a visualrepresentation of a camera. Each of the icons 372 and the functions thata user is enabled to accomplish through the selection of each isexplained in greater detail in FIG. 31.

The tool bar 370 includes among icons 372 a status icon referred to as388 in FIG. 30. The status icon 388 indicates to a user the status ofthe system. Several status icons are provided responsive to the thencurrent status of device 330.

The various status icons presented in the exemplary embodiment are shownin FIG. 32. For example, a visual representation of a traffic lightshowing a green light 390 is displayed to indicate that the system isoperating to capture images in the normal manner. A representation of athermometer approaching the top of its range is included in an icon 392.This icon is displayed to indicate that the storage capacity of the datastore within device 330 is reaching its maximum capacity and is notstoring images in the usual manner.

An alternative icon 394 is displayed to indicate that there is a needfor a user to exercise caution as the system is running with errors.Another icon 396 which is a visual representation of a diskette isdisplayed to indicate that input changes to the configuration of thedevice 330 have not been applied. An icon 398 which is a visualrepresentation of a stop sign is displayed to indicate to a user that anapplication error has occurred or that some other problem has happenedsuch that the system is not operating or communicating normally.

In this exemplary embodiment, a user at a terminal is enabled to programor configure operational features of the device 330. Preferably a userwill be enabled to configure many features and operations of the system.This is accomplished in the exemplary embodiment by the user makingselections and inputs from screens or pages in a graphical userinterface through which a user sets up or changes the programming of thesystem. These interface screens and pages are displayed to the userresponsive to selection of icons in the tool bar and through subsequentselections as a user operates the automated banking machine in responseto the interface.

In the exemplary embodiment, one of the aspects of the system that auser is enabled to configure is the period of time that image data andother data including transaction data is stored. In this exemplaryembodiment, the device 330 is configured to store data for at leastcertain programmed periods of time prior to deletion. FIG. 33 shows anexemplary screen 400 which is presented to a user of the system. Screen400 includes image type categories 402. The image type categoriescorrespond to the types of triggering events which caused an image to becaptured. For example, in FIG. 33 the types of images corresponding to“normal” are those images that are captured in response to programmedsequences which are done periodically on a routine basis such as for aperiodic surveillance of an area. Those image types which are capturedin response to alarms correspond for example to images captured inresponse to trigger inputs such as a panic alarm or an intrusion into asecure area within a facility. Other image types correspond totransactions. These may include for example in the exemplary embodimenttransactions conducted at automated banking machine 332 or at cashregister 344. Through inputs in response to screen 400 a user is enabledto input and select which types of images are to be deleted first andlast. The user is also enabled to set up minimum periods during whichimages corresponding to particular image types are to be retained.

FIG. 34 shows an expanded screen 404 which further enables a user toconfigure the auto deletion feature of the invention. Through inputs inresponse to screen 404 a user is enabled to set the unit to accomplishautomatic deletion of images in accordance with the parameters that havebeen input. The user is further enabled to input when the auto deletionactivity is to begin as well as when available disk space is consideredsufficient such that auto deletions should stop. As a result in responseto the user selecting to have auto deletion activity occur, the device330 will operate to selectively begin deleting images in accordance withthe priorities that have been established for the retention of images sothat additional storage space may be made automatically available.

It should be understood that the parameters and deletion capabilitiesshown in connection with screens 400 and 404 are exemplary and otherembodiments of the invention may operate to store image data and deleteit selectively in response to other parameters. In addition, the autodeletion function may be combined or integrated with an automateddownloading function so as to selectively transfer images prior todeletion to another storage area that is connected to device 330. Thismay include, for example, the transfer image and transaction data toother terminals connected in network 362 so that such image data may bestored at a remote location prior to deletion of the image data from thedevice 330. Other approaches and techniques appropriate for systems ofthe invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from theforegoing description.

Another aspect of the exemplary embodiment that may be configured by anauthorized user is the security applied to various types of images. Inthe exemplary embodiment device 330 allows a user to selectively applyauthenticating algorithms to selected types of images. A screenpresented to a user in the course of configuring the system to establishthis capability is represented 406 in FIG. 35. In response to screen406, a user is enabled to set the system so that digital signatures areapplied to any of several different image types. For example asrepresented in screen 406, a user may elect to include digitalsignatures in images captured in response to triggering events such asalarm conditions, detection of motion or other hard trigger alarms.Likewise as shown in screen 406, the user may configure the system toapply digital signatures into images captured in response totransactions conducted at an automated banking machine. In theparticular example, shown in FIG. 35, digital signatures are not appliedto “normal” images which are those captured in response to routineperiodic sequences. As represented in screen 406, the user may alsoelect to apply digital signal security to no images or all of the imagescaptured in the operation of the system. It should be understood thatthe categories of images shown in screen 406 are exemplary and in otherembodiments other types of image parameters may be used.

A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment of device 330 andthe system 328 represented in FIG. 28 is the ability of an authorizeduser of device 330 to program sequences in which images or otherinformation are captured. As is the case in embodiments previouslydiscussed, sequences include a triggering event and a series of actionsthat are taken by the system in response to a triggering event.Triggering events may include, for example, sensing image conditionssuch as motion, lack of usable video or a blocked camera and taking aseries of actions in response thereto such as capturing images fromother cameras, turning on lights, placing in permanent storage temporaryimage data that was captured prior to the triggering event, sendingmessages such as e-mails or performing other actions. Similarly,triggering events may include activities conducted at an automatedbanking machine or other transaction machine, during which times it isdesirable to capture and permanently retain images from cameras whichhave a field of view that includes the area where the machine ispositioned. Similarly triggering events may include inputs to or fromalarms or sensors. Other triggering events may include sequences whichoperate on a timed or other periodic basis in a routine manner such thatimage data is stored in relatively permanent storage from each of thecameras in the system as a routine matter of course. Numerous types ofsequences can be programmed by an authorized user using the exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

For purposes of the particular exemplary embodiment of system 328,triggering events are cataloged by type as either “normal”, “alarms” or“transactions”. Normal images are those that are captured in accordancewith routine sequences that are carried out on a periodic basis inaccordance with the programming of device 330. Different routinesequences may be operative at different dates and times in accordancewith the system configuration. Such routine sequences may, for example,capture an image from a particular camera so as to store it inrelatively permanent memory every so often, then subsequently capture animage from another camera and so on. Because these “normal” images arecaptured on an ongoing basis, care is generally exercised by theoperator of the system to be sure that not so many images are storedthat the available storage space is occupied too quickly by images thatare of no particular interest.

The images classified as “alarms” are those that correspond to alarmtype inputs. These can include hard trigger alarms such as thoseprovided by switches, invisible beams and buttons that may be tripped asactivities occur. Similarly, the category of “alarms” include imageconditions such as motion detection, loss of usable video, detection ofparticular features, clothing, body orientation, colors or objectswithin the field of view (or a detection area smaller than an overallfield of view) of a particular camera. Each alarm sequence may includeappropriate actions such as actuating lights, blocking devices, alarms,contacting police or fire departments and/or sending e-mail messagesand/or images to predetermined addresses.

In the exemplary embodiment, images associated with “transactions” areimages associated with devices at which transactions are carried out.These may include transactions conducted at automated banking machine332, cash register 344 or other devices where it is desirable to make arecord of the transactions. With regard to transaction images thesequence typically involves a triggering event related to operation of acomponent of a transaction function device or terminal, and the actionsmay include capturing the image to store it in memory and perhapsadditional steps depending on the nature of the transaction beingconducted. Again, it should be remembered that the categories oftriggering events in this embodiment are exemplary and other triggeringevent categories may be used in embodiments of the invention.

In the exemplary embodiment, device 330 operates in a manner like thatpreviously discussed to digitize image data received from all or aselection of cameras on an ongoing basis. This image data is digitizedas image frames on an ongoing basis and remains stored in the memoryassociated with the computer of device 330 for a fairly limited periodof time. These temporarily captured and stored images may be morepermanently captured by being moved to relatively permanent storage atthe time that they are received or alternatively may be moved intorelatively permanent storage at any time prior to their deletion. Thevalue in digitizing and temporarily capturing images on an ongoing basisas often as possible from selected cameras include the ability torecover image data from a time prior to a triggering event. Thus forexample if an image condition such as a blocked camera is detected, oneor more prior images from the same camera that are still in temporarystorage may be transferred in response to the triggering event to morepermanent storage and correlated with data representing the triggeringevent. This may enable detection of an image which includes a person whocaused a camera to be blocked. The ability to retain on a more permanentbasis images which occurred prior to a triggering event is configurablein the system, as are the number of images prior to the triggering eventwhich may be transferred to more permanent storage. Of course theability to transfer prior images depends on the number of image framesthat are available in temporary computer storage from each camera priorto the deletion of such images. Of course the duration that suchtemporary images are stored can be increased with the addition ofadditional storage and processing capability. Likewise, the frequency ofthese temporary images from any given camera depends on the processingcapabilities of the computer operating in device 330. Faster processingmay similarly increase the frequency at which temporary images arecaptured.

A useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment includes the ability toprogram sequences using descriptive terminology which is established bya user of the system. FIG. 36 shows a screen 408 that is displayed to auser in configuring system 328. Screen 408 is a camera set-up screen inwhich a user is enabled to give descriptive names to the particularcameras or field of view of a camera connected to the system. Fromscreen 408, a user is enabled to select a camera through use of an inputdevice such as a mouse and to “see” the field of view that is associatedtherewith. The user is also enabled to input a descriptive name for thatfield of view such as is shown in connection with “camera 01” shown inFIG. 36. As subsequently explained in detail, a user is enabled toconfigure sequences including triggering events and actions to be takenin response thereto using the descriptive names that the user has givento various cameras in the system. This capability greatly simplifies theprogramming of the system as users are not required to learn any specialconventions or terminology.

As is the case with cameras, users are also enabled to apply descriptivenames to outputs which are provided from the device 330. These outputsmay include for example a descriptive name for the particular item oraction which is triggered by the output. For example, in FIG. 37 thereis shown a screen 410 in which an authorized user of the system ispresented with output numbers for the various contacts and connectionsthat may be made to device 330. By making an appropriate selection andinput, the user is enabled to apply descriptive terminology to theseoutputs. For example, in screen 410 “output 01” has been named toindicate that it operates to turn on lights in a vestibule. Of coursethis is exemplary and any appropriate name may be input in thediscretion of the operator.

Similarly, the user of the system is enabled to provide descriptivenames for the inputs which serve as triggers for executing sequences bydevice 330. Screen 412 in FIG. 38 shows the capability of a user to givea descriptive name to a particular input device. For example, in FIG. 38“input 01” to device 330 is indicated as associated with a teller panicbutton. Having this descriptive information available and usable toprogram sequences in the invention makes it much easier for a user toset up and check that the desired activity is happening in response to atriggering event in any given sequence.

FIG. 39 also shows the capability of device 330 to execute sequencesthat are triggered by operation of automated banking machine 332. Ascreen 414 in FIG. 39 shows an ATM monitoring set-up screen. In responseto the presentation of screen 414, a user is enabled to give theautomated banking machine a particular descriptive name. Thisdescriptive name may include the particular street address where theautomated banking machine is located. Similarly, if there are severalautomated banking machines at the same address, each machine may beassigned a descriptive name representative of its location. Such termsused may include names such as “lobby ATM”, “drive-through ATM” and“walk-up vestibule ATM”. Of course many other types of names anddesignations may be used depending on the particular type of automatedbanking machine involved.

In the exemplary embodiment of screen 414 shown in FIG. 39, the system330 is shown configured to operate in connection with an ExpressBus™interface which is used in automated teller machines manufactured byDiebold, Incorporated, the assignee of the present invention. Of coursein other embodiments of the invention other appropriate set-up screenssuitable for configuring the programming of the system to work withother types of machines may be presented.

As was discussed in connection with other embodiments, actions performedas part of a sequence may include sending e-mails to one or severalpersons notifying them of the occurrence of the triggering event. Screen416 shown in FIG. 40 may be used by an authorized user of the system toinput e-mail addresses that are to be notified of triggering events.Further as represented in screen 416, a user is able to designate groupsof persons who are to be notified of particular events. Thesedescriptive names for groups enable an authorized user to readilyconfigure the system so that a number of people receive an e-mailmessage notifying them of a triggering event. Such actions are readilyprogrammed into a sequence by referring to the name of the group.

Screen 418 shown in FIG. 41 shows an example of an e-mail group whichhas been named “security”. This would be, for example, a group ofpersons or entities that are to be notified in the event that atriggering event detected by the system indicates a breach of securityor some activity that should be investigated by a security organizationresponsible for the facility. As can be appreciated by screen 418, anauthorized user of device 330 is enabled to add, delete and edit e-mailaddresses which compromise the groups which are to be notified.

The exemplary embodiment of device 330 enables an authorized user toreadily program the system to carry out various types of sequences.These sequences include sequences associated with the capture of“normal” or routine images that are stored on a timed or other periodicbasis while the system is operating. The user is also enabled to programsequences in response to the various types of triggering events such asinputs, motion detection, lack of usable video and the conduct oftransactions. FIG. 42 shows a screen 420 which is presented to a user inconnection with establishing routine sequences for the capture of imagesand storage on a relatively permanent basis. Screen 420 also shows thebeginning point for the programming of sequences in response to inputdevices which will be later discussed in detail.

In response to user selection of the “daily program” box in screen 420 ascreen 422 shown in FIG. 3 is presented. Screen 422 shows a visualrepresentation of a weekly layout for hours in each day and the names ofprograms or sequences which are operated to capture routine or “normal”images during the indicated times. In addition to viewing the sequencesthat are operative at various times during the week from screen 422, theuser is enabled to view the sequences applicable during any selected dayof the week or in groups of days such as by weekdays or weekends. In theexemplary programming of the system, sequences are configured tocontinue until a time when another sequence is to be initiated. Further,the programming is set up so that a more specific program for a giventime period will override a more general program during the selectedperiod.

By selecting a particular day of the week from screen 422, the exemplaryembodiment of device 330 is operative to display to a user a screen 424shown in FIG. 44. This screen shows for the selected day the sequencesfor the routine capture of images that occur on that day and the timeperiods when each sequence starts and ends. A graphical indication isalso provided so that the user may readily see the times during theselected day when particular sequences are operative.

From screen 424, a user is enabled to select to view any of the selectedsequences. For example, by selecting to view sequence indicated “1” inscreen 424 the device 330 causes the screen 426 shown in FIG. 45 to bedisplayed. Screen 426 indicates to the user a graphical representationof the steps involved in the routine sequence. Screen 426 also indicatesthe data compression level that is to be applied to the images that arecaptured and stored on a relatively permanent basis. By selecting thecompression level the user may choose to have lower quality images inexchange for utilizing less of the available data storage space withimages corresponding to the particular sequence. Various levels of datacompression are selectable by the user for the sequence as shown inscreen 426.

As represented in screen 426, the user is also enabled to set an imagecapture rate which controls the frequency of image capture and storageduring time periods which are indicated in the sequence as periodsduring which images are to be captured by a particular camera. In theexemplary embodiment, the user has the option to capture a certainnumber of images or to set the system to capture images for a period oftime. If the user configures the system to capture images based on time,the indicated rate reflects the number of images captured and stored inrelatively permanent memory during each second. The exemplary embodimentalso enables a user to select AVI which is an image capture ratesufficiently high such that it appears to capture full continuous motionin a manner similar to a video clip. In the exemplary embodiment thecapture of ten or more images each second corresponds to what generallyappears to a user to be full motion. Of course, higher rates of imagecapture may be used.

Screen 426 represents the sequence which is carried out routinely by thesystem on an ongoing basis using the passage of time as the triggeringevent for each sequence. As can be seen, the particular cameras in theexemplary sequence are shown by the numbers as well as the descriptivenames which have been applied by a user thereto. In this exemplarysequence, a camera which views a front door takes one image every secondfor three seconds. Thereafter, a camera which takes pictures of anoutside ATM takes one image every second for three seconds. After that,a camera which views the back door takes one image every second forthree seconds. After completing the sequence, the sequence repeats. Anauthorized user is enabled to modify the sequence by changing the numberand timing of images in the sequence. The user is also enabled to deleteand modify steps in the sequence by selecting the “buttons” at thebottom of screen 426. For example, a user is enabled to selectively orcompletely delete steps in the sequence, add cameras, add steps and savethe revised sequence. Of course in other embodiments additional optionsfor steps or actions in sequences may be provided.

In the exemplary embodiment of the routine sequences, provisions are notmade for notifying a remote location via e-mail. This is because routinesequences are continuously executed gathering and storing images at alltimes while the system is operating. This includes times in which imagesare being captured in response to other events. In other embodimentshowever, the system could include as part of the capture of normalimages, provisions for providing periodic reports via e-mail orotherwise, to functions or individuals who need to know that the systemis operating normally. In addition, such messages may also include oneor more images enabling the person receiving the message to visuallyverify the current condition in the area or facility monitored by thesystem.

FIG. 46 shows a screen 428 at which a user is enabled to reviewsequences associated with inputs that correspond to triggering events.Such triggering events may include, for example, the inputs from varioussensors sensing activity in various areas under surveillance, inputsfrom panic buttons or other types of inputs. By providing inputs inresponse to screen 428 an authorized user is enabled to selectivelyenable execution of the sequences in response to the triggering eventswhich cause the listed inputs.

By providing inputs to screen 428 a user is enabled to configure thesequences associated with particular inputs. This includes establishinga schedule during which a selected input will cause a selected sequenceto be executed. The schedule for the execution of a particular sequenceis shown in screen 430 in FIG. 47. Through inputs to screen 430, theuser is enabled to indicate the time periods during which the systemwill execute the sequence if the input is received. For example, if theparticular input is associated with opening a door, it may not bedesirable to capture images during the time periods when the door isfrequently opened by employees or customers who access a facility. Theconfiguration associated with the input enables the input to cause theexecution of the sequence only at the times when the capture of imagesis likely to yield useful information. In the exemplary screen 430 shownin FIG. 47 an input number 2 is configured to cause its correspondingsequence to be executed only between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Through inputs toscreen 430, an authorized user is enabled to modify these time periodsas well as to select separate discrete times periods during which theinput will cause the sequence to be executed.

The user is also enabled to set up or modify the sequence that isassociated with the input. This is accomplished from screen 430 by anappropriate input that causes the screen 432 shown in FIG. 48 to bedisplayed. Screen 432 includes a description of the particular eventwhich is associated with the input. Also as is the case with the routinesequences previously discussed, a user is enabled to set the imagequality of the images captured and stored in response to the triggeringevent. Further in the exemplary embodiment, an authorized user isenabled to set the number of times that the sequence will be executed inresponse to the triggering event. As previously discussed screen 42 alsoincludes provisions for the user to set the image capture rateassociated with the capture of images that are done in the correspondingsequence on a timed basis.

The user is enabled to set up a sequence by selecting the “buttons” atthe bottom of screen 432. These buttons correspond to various actionsrelated to cameras, outputs and e-mails that the system is enabled tocapture images from, provide and send, respectively. In response toselecting one of these buttons, a particular configuration step oraction which a user may populate with instructions by making selectionstherein is included in the sequence. For example, in response toselecting a “camera” button a sequence frame designated 434 in screen432 is displayed. The sequence frame includes five areas for inputs thatcan be provided by the user. This includes the camera selection, thenumber of images, the frequency of the images and the duration or numberof images involved. By populating these five spaces in the image framewith data the user is enabled to provide the necessary programminginformation for carrying out an action in a manner that is readilyunderstood in a sentence format. For example, as shown in screen 432,sequence frame 434 indicates that the camera designated “drive-thru #2”takes one image every one second for two seconds. Of course by makingselections and inputs the user is enabled to change the five input areaswithin the sequence frame to suit their particular requirements.

Similarly, as represented in screen 432 selection of the “output” buttonenables a user to include a sequence frame 436 in an action thesequence. The sequence frame includes three inputs that can be made by auser to select the nature of the output that is to be included as anaction in the sequence. In the case of sequence frame 436 the user isshown as having populated the information for causing the “W station #2light” to turn on for ten seconds. Thus again the sequence frame enablesthe user to provide in a sentence format those instructions whichcorrespond to a selected output. Further the outputs are enabled to beselected in accordance with the descriptive names that have been appliedto the outputs by a user.

As can be appreciated from screen 432 numerous action steps can beselectively added or deleted from a given sequence as desired by theuser in response to the triggering event. It should further beunderstood that similar sequence frames are provided for e-mails whichis a selected action step that can be taken in response to a triggeringevent. Further in other embodiments additional types of steps can betaken, each of which may have its own sequence frame which a user maypopulate with particular data to accomplish the carrying out of aparticular action step. For example, additional actions may includerepeating one or more steps in a sequence one or more times, and waitingfor other actions or delaying for a time before taking further actions.Similar principles are carried out in connection with the programming ofthe various types of sequences by the system of the exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 49 shows a screen 438 which is associated with establishing asequence in response to the detection of motion in the exemplary system.The motion set-up sequences enable a user to establish when detectedmotion within a particular area causes images to be captured and storedon a relatively permanent basis, and other actions to be taken as partof a sequence.

In screen 438, the cameras which are included in the system arepresented using the descriptive naming terminology applied by a user. Inresponse to the motion set-up screen 428 a user is enabled to selectwhich sequences are enabled or disabled for particular cameras. Inaddition a user is enabled to access other screens for purposes ofsetting up selected detection areas in which motion is to be detected,as well as to configure the sequences that are executed in response tomotion detection.

In response to selecting a set-up button for an appropriate camera fromscreen 438, a setup screen showing a field of view currently obtainedfrom the camera selected is displayed at the user terminal. An exampleof such a set-up screen is indicated for 440 in FIG. 50.

Screen 440 includes a field of view of the designated camera generallyindicated 442. The field of view of the camera includes the entire imagefield that the camera is currently viewing. Through use of a mouse orother input device, a user is selectively enabled to select one or moredetection areas schematically indicated 444 within the field of view442. The detection areas 444 are one or more areas to be analyzed and inwhich a determination concerning the detection of motion is to he made.An advantage of providing a selected detection area for purposes ofdetermining the presence of motion is that it avoids problems associatedwith monitoring in areas where motion may commonly be occurring in someareas, but where in other areas the occurrence of motion is an event forwhich images should be captured. In the exemplary embodiment the systemis operative to compare the images only within the selected detectionareas on an ongoing basis between the temporary captured images that arestored temporarily from each of the cameras. Comparison of the image inone or more successive ones of these temporary images are preferablyanalyzed through operation of the computer for differences. In thisembodiment the computer operates to analyze the pixels which make upthese images for a degree of change. If more than a set degree of changebetween one or more of these images which are spaced in time isdetected, this is an image condition indicative and motion and atriggering event which causes the corresponding sequence to be executed.

An advantage of the exemplary embodiment shown in connection with screen440 is that the user is enabled to selectively set the degree of changein the image in the detection area which will result in a determinationthat motion has been sensed. Specifically in the exemplary embodimentthe user is enabled to selectively input values as to a percent ofsensitivity which corresponds to a change in property such as intensityor color (or a combination of both) among pixels in the detection areathat will be considered for purposes of determining whether motion hasoccurred. Likewise the user is enabled to set the percent of activitywhich corresponds to a quantity such as a number or percentage of pixelssubject to analysis experiencing the set change in intensity orsensitivity which is indicative of motion. In this way the user of thesystem is enabled to set the motion detection parameters for the degreeof change which will cause a triggering event indicative of motiondetection. A user may thereby avoid motion from being considereddetected in circumstances where it is not desirable to capture images.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a service programwhich enables a servicer or authorized user to test the suitability ofthe motion detection settings in particular circumstances. This programruns in one or more computers operatively connected to the camera ofinterest. The user inputs into the computer running the program theselected sensitivity and activity settings. The user may then causeactivity to occur in the field of view of the camera. The program thencauses a display to operate so as to indicate whether the activityresulted in motion being considered to have been detected. In this way auser may adjust the settings to suit their requirements. Alternativelythe system may be operated in a test mode to capture a series of imagesfrom a selected camera. The settings may be applied by a test program tothese captured images in a controlled manner to evaluate the settingsversus the nature of image change. In an exemplary embodiment, capturedimages may be compared in the sequence originally captured or may becompared in a different sequence to determine the appropriate motiondetection settings. Once selected, the selected settings for sensitivityand activity may be set in the system and applied on an ongoing basis.

Returning to the discussion of FIG. 50, from screen 440 a user isenabled to display a schedule for selected days in which motion is to bedetected. This is represented in screen 446 which is shown in FIG. 51.Through inputs responsive to screen 446 the user is enabled to set theperiods during which motion detection is accomplished for purposes ofcarrying out a sequence. As can be appreciated in many circumstancesthere are particular times of day during which motion is likely to begoing on in a particular area and other times during which the detectionof motion may represent an usual event for which images should becaptured. Through inputs of screen 446 an authorized user is enabled toselectively set the times during which motion detection analysis will beconducted.

From screen 446 a user is enabled to set the sequence that is carriedout in response to a motion detection event. This is done in response toa screen 448 shown in FIG. 52. Screen 448 includes the ability of a userto set the parameters associated with the detection of motion using thedescriptive names for cameras which were set-up by the user. The user isalso enabled to set the image quality parameters for the storage ofimages. In addition to parameters associated with other screens, inscreen 448 the user is also enabled to set the number of images capturedprior to the detection of motion which will be moved from temporarystorage into relatively permanent storage in connection with imagescaptured in response to the motion event. Using inputs directed to the“buttons” in screen 448, the user is also enabled to set up the sequenceframes associated with cameras, outputs and e-mails by populating theinformation in the frame. A sequence frame enables the user to programusing a sentence type structure, the actions which will occur inresponse to the triggering event. For example, in the sequence shown in448 in response to motion being detected at the camera which watches theback door of a particular facility, the back door camera takes twoimages every second for sixty seconds. Thereafter the outside back lightturns on for five seconds. In addition to capturing the images from theback door camera, two pre-alarm images are transferred from temporarystorage into relatively permanent storage with data which describes thetriggering event. Of course, it should be understood that the sequenceparameters and actions are exemplary and in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

Embodiments of the invention also capture images in response totriggering events which are indicative of cameras being blocked. Suchblocked camera events which are alternatively referred to herein as alack of usable video, generally result from an image condition in whichthe image presented is either unduly light or dark, or otherwise lackingin contrast, not changing or otherwise appearing so as to suggest thatusable video data is not being received. The sequence as associated withblocked cameras is configured in the exemplary embodiment with inputsresponsive to a screen 450 shown in FIG. 53. In response to presentationof the screen 450 a user is enabled to select the particular camera atwhich a blocked camera event will be detected.

In response to the user selecting a camera in response to screen 450,the exemplary embodiment displays a screen 452 shown in FIG. 54. Throughselections made in response to the presentation of screen 452 the useris enabled to set the blocked camera capability as either operative orinoperative. The user is also enabled to set up the criteria used foridentifying a blocked camera as a triggering event and to configure thesequence that will be executed in response to the blocked camera event.

In response to a user selecting the set-up button from screen 452, theexemplary embodiment is operative to display a screen 454 shown in FIG.55. In screen 454 the user is enabled to set a brightness intensity(which may represent a color level tending toward white) as well as adarkness intensity (which may represent a color tending toward black).In this exemplary embodiment if the pixels which make up the field ofview of a selected camera average above the selected brightnessintensity, or alternatively average below the selected darknessintensity, a triggering event indicative of lack of usable video isinitiated. Alternative embodiments may look for every pixel being aboveor below certain thresholds. Alternatively in other embodiments of theinvention the pixels which make up the field of view are analyzed by thecomputer on an ongoing basis for color level or contrast with pixels inother areas of the field of view. A failure of the image to havecontrast above a set level for the overall field of view may in additionrepresent a triggering event indicative of lack of usable video. Ofcourse, as previously discussed, other criteria may also be used fordeciding that there is a lack of usable video.

Screen 456 shown in FIG. 56 is presented to a user in the exemplaryembodiment to set a time period during which the sequence will becarried out if a camera is blocked. The user is enabled to set theinputs for those times of day during which a blocked camera event willbe considered a triggering event for the sequence to be carried out.

FIG. 458 shown in FIG. 57 is displayed in the exemplary embodiment to auser to configure the sequence that is executed in response to a blockedcamera event. As in the other sequence configuration screens of theexemplary embodiment, a user is enabled to set the quality of the imagedata that is captured in response to the triggering event. Further theselection of “buttons” in the lower portion of the screen 458 causessequence frames to be displayed which the user is enabled to arrange andpopulate with data to configure the sequence. As shown in FIG. 58 thesequence frame 460 associated with sending e-mails is displayed. Thissequence frame enables a user to input data identifying persons orgroups of persons to which e-mails are to be sent. The ability to usethe descriptive naming terminology defined by the user simplifies theprogramming of the sequences in the exemplary embodiment. Further asshown in screen 458 the user is enabled to employ other sequence framessuch as sequence frame 462 which is associated with a camera. Bypopulating the inputs for the camera sequence frame the user creates asequence which is carried out in response to the indicated camera beingblocked. The exemplary sequence includes sending an e-mail to the e-mailgroup that is designated “security”. In addition to sending the e-mail,camera #2 is operated by the computer to capture and store two imagesevery second for twenty seconds. Of course it should be understood thatcamera number two is a camera which preferably includes in its field ofview the camera that is indicated as blocked. Of course as previouslyexplained in other embodiments, the programming for lack of usable videomay also include the retention in more permanent memory of temporaryimages which were taken by the blocked camera prior to the lack ofusable video being detected. Such images may indicate the cause of thelack of usable video. Of course other approaches may be used inembodiments of the invention.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention device 330 is alsoconfigured to execute sequences in response to triggering events such astransaction steps which occur at automated banking machine 332 or cashregister 344. In the exemplary embodiment sequences are configured toacquire images in response to the operation of transaction functiondevices. The images are stored in connection with transaction dataregarding the transaction that is conducted at the machine. FIG. 58shows an exemplary screen 464 which is displayed to an authorized userby device 330 in connection with configuring sequences responsive to theoperation of an automated banking machine. Through inputs in response toscreen 464 a user is enabled to set up and configure the sequencesassociated with operation of the machine.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention inputs responsive to screen464 enable the user to set up the acquisition of images from particularautomated banking machines. This is done through inputs to the userterminal in response to a screen such as screen 414 shown in FIG. 39.Further from screen 464 a user is enabled to configure the parametersfor the acquisition of images in connection with particular eventscarried out at the ATM. This is accomplished in the exemplaryembodiments through inputs through a screen 466 shown in FIG. 59. Screen466 enables a user to select triggering events for the capture ofimages. For example in the exemplary screen shown, the triggering eventsinclude the reading of a user's card and the printing of a receipt. Theuser is also enabled to configure the system to set the quality of theimages stored based on the level of data compression used. Further asrepresented in screen 466, the user is also enabled to set sequenceswhich include sequence frames for cameras, outputs and e-mailsresponsive to triggering events which occur in the course of atransaction. For example in exemplary embodiments of the invention thesystem may capture one or more images of a customer operating thebanking machine so as to provide verification at a later date as to theidentity of the particular person who has operated the machine to carryout the transaction. The number and character of images may be varieddepending on transaction parameters including the transaction type, thetime of day, the amount of money involved or other parameters associatedwith the user.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, transaction data is alsostored in correlated relation with the captured image data. The imagedata is correlated with the transaction data by the particular time atwhich the transaction is conducted. Of course in other embodiments otherapproaches to correlating image and transaction data may be used.Alternatively, image and transaction data may be stored together incommon files depending on the requirements of the system. Generally, inthe case of a system monitoring an automated banking machine, thetransaction data that is stored will include parameters such as time,user name, account number, transaction type and amount. The storage ofthese parameters in connection with the images enable the selectivesorting of images by transaction parameters. This enables an operator ofthe system to more readily recover types or ranges of transactions thatmay of interest. In addition, it facilitates the selective retention ordeletion of transactions in some embodiments by factors such as thetransaction type and/or amount. Of course, in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used.

It should be understood that although in the exemplary embodiment imagecapture from an automated banking machine is conducted responsive tosignals sent to transaction function devices on the system bus of theATM, in other embodiments other triggering events may be used. Forexample, in embodiments of the invention the presence of a user adjacentto a transaction terminal may be sensed with a proximity sensor such asan ultrasonic detector or a weight sensing pad. Alternatively, automatedbanking machines may provide hard sensor inputs such as are obtainedwhen a user receives cash from a cash receipt dispenser, or anotherdevice on the machine is moved. Such inputs may be configured as inputsto device 330 much in the manner of sensors 346. Such inputs may be usedfor purposes of configuring sequences in response to such inputs. Forexample a screen 468 shown in FIG. 60 represents an example where aninput from a sensor is used as the basis for configuring a sequence.Such an input may correspond to the operation of the device on anautomated banking machine or other transaction terminal. Through inputsresponsive to screen 468 a user is enabled to configure a sequenceincluding capturing images from cameras, providing outputs or sendinge-mails in response to such inputs. Of course, numerous otheralternatives for accomplishing similar functions are encompassed withinthe scope of the present invention.

As previously discussed, a useful aspect of this form of the presentinvention is the ability to conduct searches for images that have beenstored. Searches may be made based on one or more parameters. Imagesearching is accomplished responsive to selecting the icon 378 in thetool bar 370 displayed on numerous screens in the exemplary embodiment.A screen 470 shown in FIG. 61 is used for obtaining user inputsconcerning exemplary parameters that are employed in the searching ofimages. As can be seen in screen 470 a user is enabled to select timeperiods during which images are to be searched. The user is also enabledto select cameras which captured the image data which will be searched.The user is enabled to select all cameras or particular cameras whichare to be searched. Alternatively, a user is enabled to select a “quickviewer option” which enables a user to scan through images in a mannerthat is later described.

Screen 470 also enables a user to select parameters for identifyingimages. These include for example selecting among images captured inresponse to particular alarm types as well as images captured inresponse to particular transaction types. In this way a user is enabledto selectively search the images for a number of different parameters.The ability to search by various parameters greatly reduces the effortrequired to identify images that may fit a user's search criteria.

As explained in connection with other embodiments, image data may inaddition be searched by visual characteristics. These may include forexample searches for physical characteristics of persons shown in theimages. Similarly searches may be made for certain types of apparel,certain colors or certain devices or items. The capability of theembodiments of the present invention may enable identifying particularpersons or situations for which available data is otherwise incomplete.This may include for example identifying witnesses or other personspresent when particular circumstances have arisen. Of course numerousdifferent types of criteria and parameters may be used in searching forselected images.

A further aspect of the exemplary embodiment represented in screen 470is the ability to also group images by the particular type of eventwhich has caused the images to be captured. This provides thecapabilities of allowing a person reviewing images to catalogue andreview images by the triggering event which caused them to be capturedtogether. This may provide a user with additional insights as toparticular events. It may also enable a user to search an event type ofmost interest first before moving onto other images which meet searchcriteria.

In response to the conduct of searches, various image pages aredisplayed by the device 330. Examples of image pages are shown in FIGS.62 through 72. Each of these image pages shows one or more images thathave been captured and stored, and which are displayed in response tosearch requests. The nature of each of the image pages and how they areused in the exemplary embodiment are explained in detail in the chartsshown in FIGS. 73 and 74. Of course it should be understood that inother embodiments of the invention other image pages may be used.

It should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment of the invention, acontrol panel schematically indicated 472 is displayed in connectionwith image pages. A control panel 472 enables a user to perform variousfunctions to review images, as well as to download images from device330 to other terminals in the system with a greater degree of assurancethat the images have not been tampered with. It should also be notedthat in image pages of the exemplary embodiment a graphicalrepresentation of a piece of movie film is included to represent to auser that a series of images were acquired at high frequency in responseto an event so as to acquire a film clip that approximates full motionvideo.

A further aspect of the present invention that is useful is the abilityof the system to indicate that a plurality of images have been capturedin response to certain triggering events. This is indicated by the imagesets as represented for example in FIGS. 64 and 65. Further asrepresented for example in FIGS. 67 through 70, particular images may beselected for enlargement for review by a user with informationconcerning the nature of the triggering event which resulted in thecapture of the image. A listing of the data which is included withtriggering events and which can be recovered by an authorized user ofthe system is listed in the chart in FIG. 75. A further useful featureof the exemplary embodiment is the capability of a user to providecomments concerning particular images. Such comments may be input fromthe user terminal via typed input in text form. In alternativeembodiments, a user may input comments by voice to text conversion inputas well as to have comments stored as a voice file. Such comments may beuseful later in recovering images when searching by particular commentcriteria. The computer may itself be programmed to add comments toparticular fields in connection with images depending on the programmingof the system.

The control panel 472 used in the exemplary embodiment is shown ingreater detail in FIGS. 76 through 80. The control panel 472 includes aplurality of icons and indicators as well as an image counter which isshown in FIG. 77. The function executed in response to selection of eachof the icons in the control panel when particular image pages are beingdisplayed is shown in detail in FIGS. 78 through 80. As will beunderstood from the detailed description, the control panel 472 enablesa user to navigate through images in a rapid and selective manner. Theuser is also enabled to navigate through a series of images sequentiallyin varied increments and directions within the series of selected ordisplayed images. Further as represented in FIG. 80, the user is enabledto provide inputs to the control panel so as to identify images capturedwithin certain time parameters. It should be understood that inembodiments of the invention the series of images may be considered tobe one dimensional. However in other embodiments the images may bearranged in a matrix or other multilayer or multidimension format basedon varied parameters. By making selections and inputs users may navigatein varied directions in the series of images.

FIGS. 81 through 83 show numerical examples of the capability of thecontrol panel 472 in enabling a user to navigate through a series ofimages which are displayed to a user. As represented graphically in eachof these figures the selection by the user enables the user to find animage of interest to enlarge it, mark it and to print those images whichare of interest.

A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment of the invention isthe ability of a user to identify selected images for downloading fromdevice 330 to another terminal which is connected thereto. Suchdownloading may be accomplished in a manner which provides greaterassurance that the downloaded images are not altered. This isaccomplished in the exemplary embodiment using a feature which isreferred to as an image cart. In reviewing images, a user is enabled toclick on a rectangular icon adjacent to images so as to change the colorthereof. As represented in FIG. 84 these rectangular icons change colorresponsive to selection so as to place the images in the image cart. Thepositioning of these icons relative to images can be seen for example indisplayed images represented in FIGS. 62 through 64. When scrollingthrough the images using the control panel 472 the user is selectivelyenabled to click on those images that they find of interest for purposesof downloading by changing the color of the image cart symbol 474adjacent to the image of interest. As explained in FIG. 78 a viewer icon476 may be selected at any time on the control panel to enable a user toquickly view those images that they have included in the image cart.

A further useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention is the ability to transfer the images in the image cart fromthe device 330 in a manner that provides greater assurance that theimages have not been subject to tampering. In the exemplary embodimentof the invention a user is enabled to download images using the imagecart feature to a terminal. However device 330 is programmed so as toinclude in connection with such images a warning to indicate to theviewer thereof that the image was not secure and may be subject totampering. Given the ability of current computer equipment to do imagemodification and manipulation, this feature assures that images whichare downloaded without security give any user thereof fair notice thatthe image may not be as originally captured. This notice is preferablysent with the downloaded image when the data corresponding thereto istransferred to the user terminal and the image is output on a displaythereof.

The image cart feature however enables the application of a digitalsignature with images downloaded in the image cart along with theassociated data. This security feature is attained by selecting a keyicon 477 in the control panel as shown in FIG. 78. In response toselection of the key icon 477 a user downloading images is presentedwith a screen of the type shown in FIG. 85. The screen advises the userthat the images are being downloaded as a secure file to assureintegrity. In addition the user is provided with a password which mustbe input to unlock the package of image and transaction data which hasbeen secured with the digital signature. In the exemplary embodiment,the images are also downloaded with an encryption scheme which isintegrated with the digital signature technique to assure that only theauthorized user may access such images. Of course it should beunderstood that this technique is exemplary and in other embodimentsother approaches to encrypting the data as well as techniques forreducing the risk that images have not been subject to tampering may beused.

Thus the new transaction record system and method of the presentinvention achieve the above stated objectives, eliminate difficultiesencountered in the use of prior devices and systems, solve problems andattain the desirable results described herein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposesand are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is notlimited to the exact details shown and described.

In the following claims any feature described as a means for performinga function shall be construed as encompassing any means known to thoseskilled in the art as being capable of performing the recited functionand shall not be deemed limited to the particular means shown in theforegoing description or mere equivalents thereof having described thefeatures, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner inwhich it is constructed and operated, and the advantages and usefulresults attained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements,arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations,methods, processes and relationships are set forth in the appendedclaims.

We claim:
 1. A method comprising the steps of: (a) storing datacorresponding to a sequence in a data store in operative connection witha computer, wherein the sequence includes data representative of atleast one triggering event and at least one action to be carried outresponsive to the triggering event; (b) sensing for the triggering eventthrough operation of the computer; (c) carrying out the at least oneaction in the sequence responsive to the triggering event throughoperation of the computer, wherein the at least one action includescapturing at least one image from a camera; and (d) storing in the datastore responsive to operation of the computer, data representative tothe triggering event and data corresponding to the at least one image.2. The method according to claim 1 and prior to step (b) furthercomprising the steps of periodically capturing images from the camera;and storing in the data store in correlated relation with the datarepresentative of the triggering event, data corresponding to at leastone image captured immediately prior to occurrence of the triggeringevent.
 3. The method according to claim 1 wherein in step (a) thetriggering event in the sequence includes sensing an image conditioncorresponding to lack of usable video from a first camera, and an actionin the sequence includes capturing an image from a second camera,wherein in step (d) data corresponding to an image from the secondcamera is stored in the data store.
 4. The method according to claim 3wherein sensing lack of usable video includes sensing lack of contrastin an image captured from the first camera.
 5. The method according toclaim 3 wherein sensing lack of usable video includes sensing intensityof a plurality of pixels included in the image and determining that aquantity of the pixels are either above or below high and lowthresholds, respectively.
 6. The method according to claim 1 wherein instep (a) the triggering event includes sensing motion by detectingdifferences between a plurality of images captured from a first camera.7. The method according to claim 6 and prior to step (b) furthercomprising the step of selecting a detection area within a field of viewof the first camera, the detection area being less than the field ofview, and wherein in step (a) the triggering event in the sequenceincludes sensing motion in the detection area.
 8. The method accordingto claim 6 and prior to step (b) further comprising the step of: (e)storing in operative connection with the processor, degree data whereinthe degree data corresponds to a degree of change in a plurality ofpixels in the detection area, which degree of change corresponds tomotion, and wherein step (b) includes sensing for the degree of changein the plurality of pixels in the detection area between a plurality ofcaptured images.
 9. The method according to claim 8 wherein in step (e)the degree data corresponds to both a change in property of the pixelsin the detection area and a quantity of the pixels which undergo suchchange in property.
 10. The method according to claim 1 wherein at leastone action in the sequence includes data representative of sending atleast one e-mail to an e-mail address, wherein in step (c) the computeris operative to cause the e-mail to be sent.
 11. The method according toclaim 10 wherein the e-mail sent in step (c) includes therewith at leastone image captured by the camera.
 12. The method according to claim 10and further comprising prior to step (b) storing a group comprising aplurality of e-mail addresses in the data store, to be notified in theevent of the occurrence of a triggering event, and wherein in step (a)an action in the sequence includes sending an e-mail message to thegroup, and wherein in step (c) the computer is operative to cause ane-mail message to be sent to the group.
 13. The method according toclaim 1 and further comprising prior to step (b) the steps of: storingin the data store data corresponding to at least one recognizable image;and wherein in step (a) the triggering event includes the presence ofthe at least one recognizable image in an image captured by the camera.14. The method according to claim 13 wherein the recognizable imageincludes at least one human face.
 15. The method according to claim 13wherein the recognizable image includes at least one weapon.
 16. Themethod according to claim 13 wherein the recognizable image includes atleast one type of clothing.
 17. The method according to claim 1 andprior to step (a) further comprising the step of: assigning descriptivedesignators to each of a plurality of cameras, and wherein the sequencedata stored in step (a) is input using the descriptive designators. 18.The method according to claim 17 wherein in step (d) the datarepresentative to the triggering event includes a descriptive designatorcorresponding to a camera capturing the image.
 19. The method accordingto claim 1 wherein the computer is operatively connected to an automatedbanking machine and wherein in step (a) at least one triggering event ina sequence corresponds to conduct at least one transaction step at theautomated banking machine, and wherein an action in the sequenceincludes capturing an image of a user of the banking machine, andwherein in step (d) an image of the user is stored in the data store.20. The method according to claim 19 and further comprising the stepsof: conducting a transaction at the automated banking machine, whereinthe conduct of the transaction is operative to cause the generation oftransaction data corresponding to the transaction; and wherein in step(d) data representative of the transaction data is stored in the datastore.
 21. The method according to claim 20 wherein the transaction datastored in (d) includes data representative of at least one timeassociated with the transaction.
 22. The method according to claim 20wherein the transaction data stored in (d) includes data representativeof a user name associated with the user conducting the transaction. 23.The method according to claim 20 wherein the transaction data stored instep (d) includes data representative of an account number associatedwith the transaction.
 24. The method according to claim 20 wherein thetransaction data stored in (d) includes data representative of atransaction type associated with the transaction.
 25. The methodaccording to claim 20 wherein the transaction data stored in step (d)includes data representative of an amount associated with thetransaction.
 26. The method according to claim 21 and further comprisingthe steps of searching the data stored in the data store by transactiontime, and recovering from the data store at least one stored image basedon the transaction time associated with the transaction.
 27. The methodaccording to claim 26 wherein the transaction time includes a timeperiod, wherein in the recovery step images are recovered responsive toa time associated with a transaction being within the time period. 28.The method according to claim 24 and further comprising the steps ofsearching the data stored in the data store by transaction type, andrecovering from the data store at least one stored image based ontransaction type associated with the transaction.
 29. The methodaccording to claim 20 wherein the transaction data includes at least onetransaction parameter, wherein the transaction parameter includes atleast one of a time, a user name, an account number, an amount and atransaction type.
 30. The method according to claim 29 and furthercomprising the steps of searching the data stored in the data store byat least one transaction parameter associated with transactions, andrecovering from the data store at least one stored image correspondingto the at least one parameter.
 31. The method according to claim 29wherein the transaction data includes at least two parameters, andfurther comprising the steps of searching the transaction data stored inthe data store for the at least two parameters, and recovering from thedata store at least one image corresponding to a transaction having theat least two parameters associated therewith.
 32. The method accordingto claim 29 wherein the transaction data includes at least twotransaction parameters, and further comprising the steps of: includingan image deletion routine in operative connection with the computeroperative to delete images corresponding to a first transactionparameter from the data store while retaining images corresponding to asecond transaction parameter; deleting data from the data storecorresponding to images responsive to operation of the image deletionroutine in the computer, wherein the deleted images correspond to thefirst transaction parameter.
 33. The method according to claim 32 andfurther comprising the step of sensing for available storage in the datastore, and wherein in the deleting step the deletion of data isinitiated responsive to available storage reaching a first level. 34.The method according to claim 32 wherein in the deleting step thedeletion of data is stopped responsive to available storage reaching asecond level.
 35. The method according to claim 1 wherein at least oneof the actions in the sequence stored in step (a) includes capturingimages on a generally continuous basis from at least one camera, andwherein in step (d) the generally continuous video images are stored inthe data store.
 36. The method according to claim 35 wherein thegenerally continuous video images stored in step (d) are captured at arate of at least ten frames per second.
 37. The method according toclaim 1 and further comprising the step of: selectively deleting fromthe data store data corresponding to images by a type of triggeringevent causing the image to be stored, wherein data corresponding toimages associated with at least one type of triggering event is deletedfrom the data store and wherein data corresponding to images associatedwith at least one other type of triggering event is retained.
 38. Themethod according to claim 37 wherein a first type of triggering event isassociated with an alarm condition, and a second type of triggeringevent is associated with other than an alarm condition, wherein in thedeleting step data corresponding to images associated with the secondtype of triggering event are deleted.
 39. The method according to claim37 and further comprising the step of storing in connection with thecomputer an image deletion routine, and wherein the computer operates todelete data corresponding to images associated with the at least onetype of triggering event responsive to storage in the data storereaching a first level.
 40. The method according to claim 39 wherein thecomputer is operative to discontinue the deletion of image dataresponsive to the storage in the data store reaching a second level. 41.The method according to claim 37 and further comprising storing an imagedeletion routine in operative connection with the computer, wherein theimage deletion routine is operative to cause the computer to execute thedeleting step wherein data corresponding to images is deleted inresponse to a type of triggering event causing the image to be storedand an age of the stored data corresponding to the image.
 42. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the triggering event corresponds to a time.43. The method according to claim 1 and further comprising the steps of:storing in operative connection with the computer, data representativeof at least one visual characteristic in the image; searching the datacorresponding to images in the data store for the visual characteristic;identifying those images including the visual characteristic.
 44. Themethod according to claim 43 wherein the visual characteristic includesat least one physical characteristic.
 45. The method according to claim43 wherein the visual characteristic includes at least one facialcharacteristic.
 46. The method according to claim 45 wherein the facialcharacteristic corresponds to a face of a particular person.
 47. Themethod according to claim 43 wherein the visual characteristic includesa particular article of apparel.
 48. The method according to claim 43wherein the visual characteristic includes a particular color.
 49. Themethod according to claim 43 wherein the visual characteristic includesan image of a particular device.
 50. The method according to claim 49wherein the device includes a weapon.
 51. The method according to claim1 and further comprising the steps of; storing in the data store, datacorresponding to a plurality of images associated with a plurality oftriggering events; displaying at least one image corresponding to eachtriggering event on a display.
 52. The method according to claim 51wherein actions in at least one sequence include capturing and storingdata corresponding to a plurality of images, and wherein in thedisplaying step a plurality of images corresponding to the triggeringevent are displayed as a set on the display.
 53. The method according toclaim 52 and further comprising the step of capturing and storing in adata store data corresponding to a prior image captured by at least onecamera prior to occurrence of the triggering event, wherein the priorimage is included in the displayed set.
 54. The method according toclaim 51 and further comprising the steps of: providing on the displayat least one icon, and navigating through a plurality of imagesresponsive to selection of the icon with an input device.
 55. The methodaccording to claim 51 and prior to step (d) further comprising the stepof storing a data compression parameter in operative connection with thetriggering event, wherein the data corresponding to the image stored instep (d) is compressed in accordance with the data compressionparameter.
 56. The method according to claim 1 and further comprisingthe steps of: providing a server in operative connection with the datastore; accessing stored data corresponding to the image at a userterminal in operative connection with the server.
 57. The methodaccording to claim 56 and further comprising the step of includingthrough operation of the computer a digital signature with the accessedstored data corresponding to the image.
 58. The method according toclaim 56 and further comprising the step of transferring datacorresponding to the image to the user terminal.
 59. The methodaccording to claim 58 wherein the step of transferring the image to theuser terminal includes transferring a key which enables reproducing theimage at the user terminal.
 60. The method according to claim 56 andfurther comprising the steps of; requesting transfer of the datacorresponding to image not including a digital signature with the userterminal; including through operation of the computer an indicator inconnection with the data corresponding to the image that the image mayhave been subject to modification; and transferring the datacorresponding to the image with the indicator to the user terminal. 61.The method according to claim 60 and further comprising the steps of:providing an input through an input device at the user terminal that animage is to include a digital signature; including through operation ofthe computer a digital signature in connection with the image;transferring the data corresponding to the image to the user terminalwith a key usable to verify the genuineness of the image.
 62. The methodaccording to claim 51 and further comprising the steps of: selecting atleast one image through an input to an input device, and transferringthe data corresponding to the selected image to a remote user terminal.63. The method according to claim 62 and wherein the input is operativeto cause a visible marking indicating the selected image to be includedon the display.
 64. The method according to claim 62 wherein in theselecting step a plurality of images are selected, and furthercomprising transferring the data corresponding to the plurality ofimages as a batch to the remote user terminal.
 65. The method accordingto claim 64 and further comprising including a digital signature in eachof the plurality of transferred images responsive to operation of thecomputer.
 66. The method according to claim 64 wherein in thetransferring step the data corresponding to the images is transferred toa remote user terminal through a network.
 67. The method according toclaim 66 wherein the data corresponding to the images is transferredthrough the Internet.
 68. A method comprising: (a) storing datacorresponding to a sequence in a data store in operative connection witha computer, wherein the computer is operatively connected to anautomated banking machine, wherein the sequence includes sequence datarepresentative of at least one action to be carried out responsive to atleast one triggering event, wherein the at least one triggering eventcorresponds to conducting at least one transaction step at the automatedbanking machine; (b) detecting the least one triggering event throughoperation of the computer; (c) carrying out the at least one action inthe sequence responsive to the triggering event through operation of thecomputer, wherein the at least one action includes capturing at leastone image; (d) storing in the data store responsive to operation of thecomputer, data related to the triggering event and data corresponding tothe at least one image.
 69. The method according to claim 68 wherein (c)includes capturing at least one image of a user of the automated bankingmachine, and wherein (d) includes storing at least one image of the userin the data store.
 70. The method according to claim 69 and furthercomprising (e) prior to (b), capturing at least one pre-triggering eventimage; and (f) storing the at least one pre-triggering event image inthe data store in correlated relation with the data related to thetriggering event.